Access to specialized care may differ between urban and rural patients, potentially influencing outcomes. A study conducted at the at the University of Utah Pulmonary Hypertension Center compared 263 pulmonary arterial hypertension patients from urban versus rural areas treated in the period 2020-2024.
Similar at baseline:
- Patient characteristics, 6-minute walk distance, heart function, hemodynamics, and NT-proBNP levels were comparable
- Both groups had equal access to in-person and virtual clinic visits
Important differences emerged:
- Treatment choice: Rural patients on triple therapy were significantly more likely to receive inhaled treprostinil (versus other prostacyclin forms)
- Risk trajectories: Urban patients showed significant improvement in REVEAL risk scores over time, while rural patients showed no significant change
Conclusion: Despite similar care delivery and baseline status, rural pulmonary arterial hypertension patients showed differences in treatment patterns and disease progression over time. Further research is needed to understand why these disparities exist and how to optimize outcomes for rural patients.
Citation
Deol AK, Ingram D, Dranow E, Clapham KR, Mayeux JD, Ma CL, Hatton ND, Beck EM, Klanderud D, Ryan JJ. Comparing Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Care in Urban and Rural Settings:Treatment Patterns and Risk Trajectories. Pulm Circ. 2025 Nov 11;15(4):e70204. doi: 10.1002/pul2.70204. PMID: 41229532; PMCID: PMC12603918.
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