Abstract

RATIONALE: Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) typically undergo frequent clinical evaluation. The incidence and outcomes of COVID-19 and its impact on routine management for patients with pulmonary vascular disease is currently unknown.OBJECTIVES: For patients with PAH/CTEPH followed at accredited pulmonary hypertension centers, assess the cumulative incidence and outcomes of recognized COVID-19. Evaluate the pandemic's impact on clinic operations at these centers.METHODS: A survey was emailed to program directors of centers accredited by the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. Descriptive analyses and linear regression were used to analyze results.RESULTS: Seventy-seven center directors were successfully emailed a survey, 58 responded (75%). The cumulative incidence of COVID-19 recognized in individuals with PAH/CTEPH was 2.1 cases per 1,000 patients, similar to the general United States population. In patients with PAH/CTEPH and recognized COVID-19 30% were hospitalized and 12% died. These outcomes appear worse than the general population. A large impact on clinic operations was observed including fewer clinic visits and substantially increased use of telehealth. A majority of centers curtailed diagnostic testing and a minority limited new starts of medical therapy. Most centers did not use experimental therapies in PAH/CTEPH patients diagnosed with COVID-19.CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative incidence of COVID-19 recognized in patients with PAH/CTEPH appears similar to the broader population, although outcomes may be worse. While the total number of patients with PAH/CTEPH recognized to have COVID-19 was small, the impact of COVID-19 on broader clinic operations, testing, and treatment was substantial.

View details for DOI 10.1513/AnnalsATS.202005-521OC

View details for PubMedID 32726561