Researchers from Johns Hopkins University detail findings in connective tissue disease therapy
2007 NOV 12 -- Data detailed in 'Selective endothelin A receptor antagonism with sitaxsentan for pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with connective tissue disease' have been presented. According to recent research from the United States, "Endothelin receptor antagonism has become an important component in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) associated with connective tissue disease (CTD). The purpose of this study was to analyse the safety and effectiveness of sitaxsentan, a selective antagonist of the ET(A) receptor, in a cohort of patients with PAH and CTD." "Short-term clinical and haemodynamic effects and longer-term follow-up data are presented A post hoc subgroup analysis was performed on 42 patients who had PAH associated with CTD, out of a group of 178 patients enrolled in a 12-week, double-blind, randomised clinical trial of sitaxsentan versus placebo. Data from 33 patients assigned to sitaxsentan 100 mg or 300 mg daily were pooled and compared with nine placebo-treated patients. There were 41 patients entered into the blinded extension study, in which all patients received either 100 mg or 300 mg sitaxsentan once daily Patients treated with sitaxsentan had a mean (SD) increase in 6 minute walk distance of 20 (5) m from baseline to week 12 (p=0.037), whereas the placebo group had a decrease of 38 (84) m, resulting in a placebo-subtracted treatment effect of 58 m (p=0.027). Parallel improvements in quality of life and haemodynamics were also observed. No patient discontinued their drug during the 12-week trial. In the blinded extension study (median treatment duration 26 weeks), more patients were in functional class I-II than in III-IV (p <0.001) at the end of the study compared with the start of active therapy," wrote R.E. Girgis and colleagues, Johns Hopkins University. The researchers concluded: "Elevation of hepatic transaminase levels occurred in two patients Sitaxsentan appears to be efficacious in patients with PAH associated with CTD." Girgis and colleagues published their study in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (Selective endothelin A receptor antagonism with sitaxsentan for pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with connective tissue disease. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 2007;66(11):1467-72). For additional information, contact R.E. Girgis, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland USA.. Publisher contact information for the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases is: B M J Publishing Group, British Med Association House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JR, England. Keywords: United States, Baltimore, Connective Tissue Disease Therapy, Clinical Trial Research, Connective Tissue Disease, Hypertension, Pulmonology, Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Rheumatic Disease, Therapy, Treatment. This article was prepared by Pain & Central Nervous System Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Pain & Central Nervous System Week via NewsRx.com.
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