P ulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease characterized by vasoconstriction and proliferation of the small pulmonary arteries, changes that eventually lead to right-sided heart failure and death in most patients who have the disease. 1 When PAH is diagnosed early in the course of the disease, initial treatment usually consists of oral therapy, including phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and endothelin receptor antagonists.2 Intravenous epoprostenol sodium (Flolan), epoprostenol for injection (Veletri), and treprostinil (Remodulin) are intravenous prostacyclins given as continuous infusions in the most advanced cases of PAH.1 Prostacyclins are potent vasodilators, inhibit platelet activation, and have antiproliferative effects on smooth muscle and intimal cells. Intravenous prostacyclins are expensive and require a comprehensive insurance approval process. Once approved, the drugs are commonly started in the hospital at a dose of 1.25 to 2 ng/kg per minute via a dedicated central catheter, and the dose is increased according to the signs and symptoms of PAH
Safety Recommendations for Administering Intravenous Prostacyclins in the Hospital
MARTHA S. KINGMAN, DNP, FNP-C KELLY CHIN, MD
FeatureProstacyclins are a high-risk category of continuous intravenous infusions increasingly used in hospitals to treat advanced pulmonary arterial hypertension, a rare condition characterized by vasoconstriction and vascular proliferation of the pulmonary arteries. Prostacyclins are given in doses of nanograms per kilogram per minute and have a narrow therapeutic dosing range for each patient. Sudden increases or decreases in dose can be life threatening. Previous studies revealed errors in the administration of these high-risk infusions, which in some instances led to serious adverse events, including death. The literature was reviewed for safety measures in administration of high-risk intravenous medications and input was obtained from leading experts in pulmonary arterial hypertension to create a set of safety recommendations for infusion of prostacyclins. (Critical Care Nurse. 2013;33[5]:32-34,36-41) ©2013 American Association of Critical-Care Nurses doi: http://dx.doi. org/10.4037/ccn2013608 This article has been designated for CNE credit. A closed-book, multiple-choice examination follows this article, which tests your knowledge of the following objectives:1. Distinguish between adverse effects of prostacyclins and symptoms of pulmonary artery hypertension 2. Summarize 4 approaches to prevent errors associated with high-risk medications 3. Describe 3 safety recommendations that reduce error during prostacyclin administration and the side effects of the prostacyclin being administered. Dosing is generally highly individualized according to the severity of the disease and how well patients are able to tolerate the side effects of the drug. Common side effects include headache, jaw pain, flushing, nausea, diarrhea, rash, and pain in the extremities.3 Signs and symptoms of PAH include shortness of breath, c...