[Pulmonary arterial hypertension in the elderly subject].
Résumé
OBJECTIVE: To describe the features of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in elderly patients. METHODS: A single centre, descriptive study of PAH patients consecutively referred to a regional centre, from September 2002 to February, 1st, 2009. The group of patients aged 65 and above at the time of the diagnosis was compared to the younger patients. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients suffering from PAH (group 1) have been investigated by means of right heart catheterisation. There were 24 patients aged 65 and above. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure was lower in the patients aged over 65. The older patient group had more respiratory and/or cardiac co-morbidities, a lower median distance in the 6minute walk test and a higher median Pro-BNP level. Specific PAH treatments were prescribed in both groups. Fifteen patients aged 65 and above were on long-term oxygen therapy (vs four younger patients, p<0.0001). The elderly patients had a median survival of 32 months. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of PAH in elderly patients is associated with a poor prognosis. The management of these patients needs further studies.