Dual prostacyclin infusions: A case report of a patient symptom-driven transition from high-dose intravenous epoprostenol to subcutaneous treprostinil for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

PURPOSE

A case of successful transition from high-dose epoprostenol to high-dose subcutaneous treprostinil for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is reported.

SUMMARY

PAH is a chronically progressive disease characterized by pulmonary artery luminal narrowing that causes increased pulmonary artery pressures leading to right ventricular failure. Parenteral prostacyclin analogues, such as epoprostenol and treprostinil, are direct vasodilators and are cornerstones of therapy for patients with severe disease that have been proven to reduce mortality and increase exercise tolerance. These agents must be administered continuously via intravenous or subcutaneous devices and are high-risk medications due to their potent vasodilatory actions. Chronic use of these medications requires constant attention from both providers and patients because of potential complications including central venous catheter infection, thromboembolism, therapy interruptions, and other undesirable consequences. This case report describes management of a 35-year-old male patient on high-dose outpatient intravenous epoprostenol (101 ng/kg/min; dosing weight, 47 kg) for treatment of PAH who was admitted to the hospital with a malfunctioning central venous catheter. Surrounding manipulation of the central catheter, the patient experienced an ischemic stroke that led to cognitive disability resulting in a lack of ability to manage his previously used home infusion device. The patient was successfully transitioned from intravenous epoprostenol to subcutaneous treprostinil (discharge dose, 200 ng/kg/min) over 5 days by infusing both medications simultaneously and adjusting doses based upon patient-reported symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This successful transition from high-dose epoprostenol to high-dose subcutaneous treprostinil demonstrates the importance in considering patient-specific factors during high-risk medication transitions, the value of a patient-directed flexible prostacyclin transition plan, and the benefit of institutional training and education in ensuring the safe use of parenteral prostacyclin analogues.