TABLE 14

Suggested assessment and timing for the follow-up of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension

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  • ALAT: alanine aminotransferase; ASAT: aspartate aminotransferase; BGA: blood gas analysis; BNP: brain natriuretic peptide; CPET: cardiopulmonary exercise testing; Echo: echocardiography; ECG: electrocardiogram; ERAs: endothelin receptor antagonists; FC: functional class; INR: international normalized ratio; lab: laboratory assessment; NT-proBNP: N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide; RHC: right heart catheterization; TSH: thyroid stimulating hormone; 6MWT: 6-minute walking test. aIntervals to be adjusted according to patient needs. bBasic lab includes blood count, INR (in patients receiving vitamin K antagonists), serum creatinine, sodium, potassium, ASAT/ALAT (in patients receiving ERAs), bilirubin and BNP/NT-proBNP. cExtended lab includes TSH, troponin, uric acid, iron status (iron, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor) and other variables according to individual patient needs. dFrom arterial or arterialized capillary blood; may be replaced by peripheral oxygen saturation in stable patients or if BGA is not available. eShould be considered. fSome centres perform RHCs at regular intervals during follow-up.