AIRDROP: Can we Improve Adherence to Inhaled Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension?

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension is a rare and progressive condition that compromises pulmonary circulation and can lead to right ventricular failure. Despite recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, the median survival of patients is only 2.8 years. The treatment for this disease is based on drugs that act on three main pathways: prostacyclin, endothelin, and nitric oxide. Iloprost, a prostacyclin analogue available in an inhaled form, is an important and well-established treatment. However, its mandatory frequent administration, the need for a specific inhalation technique, and its adverse event profile make its use complex. Although pharmacotherapeutic and inhalation technique follow-up by a qualified professional is widely studied in diseases like asthma and COPD, its application in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension still lacks evidence. Thus, this study aims to evaluate how a pharmacist's intervention can improve treatment adherence, mitigate side effects and difficulties associated with inhalation, in addition to optimizing clinical and hemodynamic outcomes in patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension using iloprost.