Trials of inhaled Iloprost and other new vasodilating prostaglandins

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Abstract
A randomized, controlled trial was undertaken in the USA, comparing long-term prostacyclin therapy plus conventional therapy, with conventional therapy alone, and was a landmark in the study of PPH. It not only applied strict entry criteria for PPH patients in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) grade III and IV, but was sufficiently “powered” to test whether the treated group might demonstrate improved exercise tolerance as measured by the six-minute walk test. Quality of life was measured using the Nottingham Health profile questionnaire. Indeed, the prostacyclin treated patients demonstrated better exercise tolerance and enhanced quality of life after 3 months 6. Surprisingly, and perhaps fortuitously, survival was also improved in the treated group at 3 months.