Ketones for Pulmonary Hypertension - Effects on Hemodynamics

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a debilitating disease that affects both the pulmonary vasculature and the heart. It is associated with increased mortality and hospitalization and impairs daily life for the affected patients. Despite substantial advances in treatment within the past decade the prognosis remains poor with an 1-year mortality of more than 10%.1 The pathophysiology of PH is multifactorial and can be caused by left sided cardiac disease, pulmonary pathophysiological changes in the pulmonary vessels, respiratory diseases and pulmonary embolism.The treatment is targeted at the underlying cause. Hence, left sided heart disease is treated with anticongestive medications4 and respiratory disease by pulmonary medications. However, pulmonary vascular diseases such as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) are treated with pulmonary endarterectomy and vasodilators targeting the pulmonary vasculature, respectively. However, not all patients have an optimal pulmonary hemodynamic response on treatment. If patients are left with persistent pulmonary hypertension the disease may progress further and cause right heart failure which worsens the prognosis.

Data from a recent study conducted at the investigator's institution demonstrated 40% increase in cardiac output during infusion of the ketone body 3-hydroxybutyrate (3-OHB). Intriguingly, this was associated with an increase in RV function and a decrease in the pulmonary vascular resistance of approximately 20%.

In the present study, 10 patients with IPAH and 10 patients with CETPH will be subjected to placebo and 3-OHB infusion in a randomized cross-over design. Each of the infusions will be given for 2.5 hours and cross-over will be carried out on the same day. Echocardiography and right sided heart catheterization will be applied and blood will be sampled.

Inclusion criteria

• Persistent pulmonary hypertension (defined as PVR > 3 WU, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) < 15 mmHG, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) ≥25 mmHg) on the most resent right heart catheterization.
• Preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (<50%) on most recent echocardiography
• Able to give informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Other Significant pulmonary, mitral or aortic valve disease
• Other disease or treatment making subject unsuitable for study participation