SYSTEMIC ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH IDIOPATHIC PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION CORRELATES WITH DISEASE SEVERITY

摘要

BackgroundIdiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a life-threatening disease manifested by progressive pulmonary vascular remodeling, compromised pulmonary blood flow and right heart failure. Most studies explore how pulmonary endothelial function modulates disease pathogenesis. We hypothesize that IPAH is a progressive panvasculopathy, affecting both pulmonary and systemic vascular beds, and that systemic endothelial dysfunction correlates with disease severity. Recent studies demonstrate systemic endothelial dysfunction in adults with pulmonary hypertension, however adults often have additional comorbidities affecting endothelial function. Systemic endothelial function has not been explored in children with IPAH.