SSRIs in PAH

Q: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are beneficial in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) as an adjuvant treatment?

A) True
B) false


Answer: B

SSRIs may increase the mortality in PAH.

Serotonin is known to promote pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell and fibroblast proliferation, pulmonary arterial vasoconstriction, and local microthrombosis. This leads to experiments in animal models to use SSRIs as a treatment for PAH with some success. Unfortunately studies in humans showed the contrary results.

#pulmonary


References:

1. Sadoughi A, Roberts KE, Preston IR, et al. Use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and outcomes in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Chest. 2013;144(2):531–541. doi:10.1378/chest.12-2081

2. Chambers CD, Hernandez-Diaz S, Van Marter LJ, et al. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors and risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. N Engl J Med. 2006;354(6):579-587.