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Endothelin receptor antagonists for pulmonary arterial hypertension

Liu C, Chen J, Gao Y, Deng B, Liu K

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2021

3,322 participants · 31 citations

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a devastating disease that leads to right heart failure and premature death. Endothelin receptor antagonists have shown efficacy in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, and the reference sections of retrieved articles. The searches are current as of 4 November 2020.

Selection criteria: We included randomised trials and quasi-randomised trials involving participants with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Data collection and analysis: Two of five review authors selected studies, extracted data and assessed study quality according to established criteria. We used standard methods expected by Cochrane. The primary outcomes were exercise capacity (six-minute walk distance, 6MWD), World Health Organization (WHO) or New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, Borg dyspnoea scores and dyspnoea-fatigue ratings, and mortality.

Main results: We included 17 randomised controlled trials involving a total of 3322 participants. Most trials were of relatively short duration (12 weeks to six months). Sixteen trials were placebo-controlled, and of these nine investigated a non-selective ERA and seven a selective ERA. We evaluated two comparisons in the review: ERA versus placebo and ERA versus…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 3,322 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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