Zainab Humayun

Dr. Zainab Humayun

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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24 April 2026 in Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
MFMuhammad Aqib Faizan
Muhammad Aqib Faizan
TRTooba Mbbs Rehman
Tooba Mbbs Rehman
HMHurais Mbbs Malik
Hurais Mbbs Malik
MHMuhammad Mbbs Hudaib
Muhammad Mbbs Hudaib
MTMuhammad Abdullah Mbbs Tahir
Muhammad Abdullah Mbbs Tahir
ZHZainab Humayun
Zainab Humayun
Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive, life-threatening condition characterized by elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, often culminating in right heart failure. Despite existing therapies, optimizing treatment efficacy and safety remains a clinical challenge. Riociguat, a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, has shown promise in managing PH, particularly in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the optimal dosing of riociguat to maximize therapeutic benefits while minimizing adverse effects. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Central, Embase, and Google Scholar was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing riociguat with placebo in adult PH patients. Eligible studies included double-arm RCTs with riociguat dosages ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 mg. Primary outcomes included changes in 6-minute walk distance (6-MWD), mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR), and NT-proBNP levels. Secondary outcomes were adverse events and clinical worsening. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Statistical analysis used RevMan 5.4 with a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was evaluated using χ 2 and I 2 tests, and meta-regression assessed the impact of age and BMI. Results: Ten RCTs involving 1109 PH patients were included. Riociguat significantly improved 6-MWD (MD: 27.23 m; 95% CI: 8.28–46.18; P = .005), reduced mPAP (MD: −2.61 mm Hg; 95% CI: −4.60 to −0.63; P = .01), lowered PVR (MD: −90.27 dynes·s·cm −5 ; 95% CI: −119.30 to −61.23; P < .00001), and decreased NT-proBNP levels (MD: −256.77 pg/mL; 95% CI: −491.99 to −21.55; P = .03). Meta-regression showed age and BMI significantly influenced treatment effects. Conclusions: Riociguat demonstrates dose-dependent efficacy in improving functional and hemodynamic parameters in PH, with the 2.5 mg thrice-daily dose showing consistent benefit. BMI impacted functional outcomes but not hemodynamic measures. These findings support tailored dosing strategies for optimized patient outcomes. Further research is needed to confirm dose-response effects and address residual heterogeneity.