Pulmonary hypertension in Saudi Arabia: A single center experience

Abstract

CONTEXT:Several international studies have described the epidemiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH). However, information about the incidence and prevalence of PH in Saudi Arabia is unknown.AIMS:To report cases of PH and compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of PH due to various causes in a Saudi population.METHODS:Newly diagnosed cases of PH [defined as mean pulmonary artery pressure >25 mmHg at right heart cauterization (RHC)] were prospectively collected at a single tertiary care hospital from January 2009 and June 2012. Detailed demographic and clinical data were collected at the time of diagnosis, along with hemodynamic parameters.RESULTS:Of the total 264 patients who underwent RHC, 112 were identified as having PH. The mean age at diagnosis was 55.8 ± 15.8 years, and there was a female preponderance of 72.3%. About 88 (78.6%) of the PH patients were native Saudis and 24 (21.4%) had other origins. Twelve PH patients (10.7%) were classified in group 1 (pulmonary arterial hypertension), 7 (6.2%) in group 2 (PH due to left heart disease), 73 (65.2%) in group 3 (PH due to lung disease), 4 (3.6%) in group 4 (chronic thromboembolic PH), and 16 (14.3%) in group 5 (PH due to multifactorial mechanisms). PH associated with diastolic dysfunction was noted in 28.6% of group 2 patients, 31.5% of group 3 patients, and 25% of group 5 patients.CONCLUSIONS:These results offer the first report of incident cases of PH across five groups in Saudi Arabia.

Pulmonary hypertension complicating pulmonary sarcoidosis

“…There are no clear data regarding the true prevalence of SAPH. Rates of PH in sarcoidosis patients in tertiary centres vary between 5–20 % [ 3 , 5 , 6 ]. As a side note, the gold standard right heart catheterisation for diagnosing PH is often absent in studies, where results are based on echocardiography only.…”

Saudi guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension: 2014 updates

“…[ 13 ] A recent publication from Saudi Arabia aimed to report cases of PH and to compare the demographic and clinical characteristics of PH due to various causes has found that the mean age at diagnosis was 55.8 (±15.8) years and there was a female preponderance of 72.3%. [ 14 ]…”

Pulmonary hypertension in the developing world: Local registries, challenges, and ways to move forward

“…Another report from Saudi Arabia described the distribution of PH in 112 patients diagnosed by RHC found that 10.7% belonged to PAH, 6% to PH due to left heart disease, 65% to PH due to lung diseases, 3.5% to chronic thromboembolic PH (CTEPH), and 14.2% related to WHO group V diseases. 56 However, this center is recognised as the national center of interstitial lung disease and referral bias can explain the high prevalence of PH due to lung disease in this cohort.…”