Abstract

LAPA, Monica Silveira et al. Clinical characteristics of pulmonary hypertension patients in two reference centers in the city of Sao Paulo. Rev. Assoc. Med. Bras. [online]. 2006, vol.52, n.3, pp. 139-143. ISSN 0104-4230.  doi: 10.1590/S0104-42302006000300012.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the clinical profile of PH patients from two pulmonary hypertension centers. METHODS: Retrospective chart analysis. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty three PH patients were included in the study; 62% of these presented functional class III or IV (NYHA). Mean right ventricle systolic pressure (RVSP) was 83.48±24.61 mmHg. There was no correlation between functional class and RVSP. About 50% of the patients were diagnosed as IPAH; 30% as pulmonary hypertension associated to schistosomiasis; 10% as PH associated to connective tissue diseases. Mean time of dyspnea until diagnosis was variable with no correlation with functional class (p>0.05). No difference was found in the clinical presentation in spite of the diverse etiologies. CONCLUSION: Based upon our findings, we stressed the need for an active investigation of PH patients prior to administration of any therapeutic alternative. We emphasized that a better understanding of PH related to schistosomiasis is needed due to the high prevalence of this condition among PH patients as shown in the Brazilian population.

Keywords : Pulmonary hypertension; Schistosomiasis; Idiopathic pulmonary hypertension.