RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Myocardial Work Evaluation in Patients With PAH

This study aims to understand how a new measurement, called 'myocardial work', can help doctors evaluate the right side of the heart in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The right side of the heart is very important for people with PAH, and how well it works can affect their health. Myocardial work is a promising new tool that combines information about how strongly the heart pumps and the pressure it has to pump against. While it was first used for the left side of the heart, it can also be used for the right side. This research will look at existing patient data to see if this new measurement can help predict how well PAH patients will be doing a year after their diagnosis or treatment adjustment.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Central Hospital, Nancy, France

Enrolment target

Start

25 Jul 2024

Estimated completion

30 Sep 2024

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

What is this study about?

This study is about a lung condition called pulmonary arterial hypertension, or PAH. In PAH, the blood vessels in the lungs become narrow, making it harder for the heart to pump blood through them. This extra strain mainly affects the right side of the heart. Over time, the right side of the heart can become weak, which is the main reason why PAH can be so serious.

Doctors currently use various tests to check how well the right side of the heart is working in people with PAH. This helps them understand the patient's individual situation and guide treatment. However, researchers are always looking for better ways to measure how the heart is coping, especially in PAH, where the heart has to work against high pressure in the lungs.

This study will explore a new measurement called 'myocardial work'. Think of myocardial work as a way to see how hard and how effectively the heart muscle is working, taking into account both its strength and the pressure it's pushing against. While this measurement was originally developed for the left side of the heart, scientists believe it can also be very useful for the right side. This research will use information from past patient records to see if these 'myocardial work' measurements can help doctors predict how people with PAH will be doing a year later, both at the time they are first diagnosed and after they start treatment.

Key takeaways

This study is looking into a new way to measure how well the right side of the heart works in PAH.
The new measurement is called 'myocardial work' and combines heart strength and blood pressure.
Researchers are using existing patient records to learn how this measurement links to patients' future health.
It aims to help doctors better understand and predict outcomes for people with PAH.
No new tests or procedures are involved for patients in this study.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking at information from people who have already been diagnosed with PAH. This includes specific types of PAH, such as those that are inherited or linked to certain medicines or liver problems.

To be included, patients must have had two specific heart tests – an echocardiogram (a type of ultrasound scan of the heart) and a right heart catheterisation (a procedure where a thin tube is guided into the heart) – both within 48 hours of their diagnosis and their first treatment review.

People would not be included if their echocardiogram images weren't clear enough to analyse. Also, people with other specific types of high blood pressure in the lungs, such as those caused by other heart conditions or lung diseases, would not be part of this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I have been diagnosed with a specific type of PAH (idiopathic, heritable, drug-associated, or linked to portal hypertension).
I had a heart ultrasound (echocardiography) AND a right heart catheterization within 48 hours of my initial diagnosis.
I also had these two tests within 48 hours of my first treatment review for PAH.
My heart ultrasound images were clear enough for doctors to analyse.
My PAH is not caused by other heart conditions or specific lung diseases.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

As this is a retrospective study, it means researchers will be looking back at existing medical records and test results of patients who have already been diagnosed and treated for PAH. You would not need to have any new tests, take any new medicines, or have extra hospital visits specifically for this study. The study uses information collected during your routine medical care. Therefore, there are no additional activities, medications, specific follow-up appointments, or duration of participation for you as an individual patient beyond your standard care.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study involves looking at existing medical records, there are no direct physical risks or benefits to you as a patient. Your personal information will be handled with care to protect your privacy. The potential benefit of studies like this is that they help doctors gain a better understanding of PAH and how the right side of the heart functions, which could lead to improved care for future patients. You have the right to withdraw your consent for your anonymised data to be used at any time.

Locations (1)

Valentin
Verified postcode
Nancy, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is PAH?

PAH stands for pulmonary arterial hypertension. It's a rare condition where blood pressure in the arteries leading from the heart to the lungs becomes too high, making the heart work harder.

Why is the right side of the heart so important in PAH?

The right side of the heart pumps blood to the lungs. In PAH, the high pressure in the lungs makes this job much harder, and over time, the right heart can get tired and struggle, which is a main concern for patients.

What is 'myocardial work'?

It's a new way to measure how hard and efficiently the heart muscle is working. It helps doctors understand both the heart's strength and the pressure it's pumping against.

Will I have any extra tests if I take part?

No, this study looks at information from tests you've already had as part of your regular care. You won't have any extra tests or appointments.

How will this study help patients?

By understanding 'myocardial work' better, doctors hope to get a clearer picture of how PAH affects the heart. This could help them predict how patients might do and guide treatment decisions in the future.

How to find out more

Simon Valentin, M.D.

s.valentin@chru-nancy.fr +33383153405 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.