Bloodstream Infections Among Patients Treated with Intravenous Epoprostenol or Intravenous Treprostinil for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension - Seven Sites, United States, 2003-2006

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening disorder characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. Continuous infusion of prostanoids--epoprostenol and treprostinil, which act as vasodilator and antiproliferative agents, is indicated in the tr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 2007, Vol.56 (8), p.170
Main Authors: Barst, R, Berman-Rosenzweig, E, Horn, E, Saiman, L
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
Bacteria
Drug therapy
Hypertension
Infections
Pulmonary arteries
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Summary:Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening disorder characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. Continuous infusion of prostanoids--epoprostenol and treprostinil, which act as vasodilator and antiproliferative agents, is indicated in the treatment of patients with severe PAH. In Sept 2006, CDC received a report from a PAH specialist of a suspected increase in the number of gram-negative bloodstream infections (BSI) among PAH patients treated with IV treprostinil. Barst et al describe the results of an investigation that determines the relative rates of BSI in a sample of patients treated with IV treprostinil and IV epoprostenol in the US during 2003-2006. A CDC editorial note is presented.
ISSN:0149-2195
1545-861X