One of the reasons for the significant delay to diagnosis in PAH is delays in referrals to PH expert centres for diagnosis and treatment.1

 

That’s why if you suspect PAH based on your key investigations, the best practice is to refer your patient to a PH expert centre as soon as possible.2,3

Referral checklist

 

Information to provide when referring a patient:

 
  • Details of all tests undertaken (ideally non-invasive tests such as echo, ECG, PFT and chest X-ray)
  • Comprehensive reports and images of all tests (to be sent with the patient)
  • Any specific requirements for certain PH expert centres. You can contact them to find out what these requirements are.
referral

These centres are recognised by the PHSANZ as actively participating in the National Pulmonary Hypertension Registry.

 

 

Footnotes

Echo: echocardiography; ECG: electrocardiogram; PAH: pulmonary arterial hypertension; PH: pulmonary hypertension; PFT: pulmonary function tests.

References

  1. Khou V et al. Respirology 2020;25(8):863–71.
  2. Humbert M et al. Eur Heart J 2022;43(38):3618–3731.
  3. Frost A, et al. Eur Respir J 2019;53(1):1801904.