Resistant Arterial Hypertension Research Articles

Efficacy and Safety of Ultrasound Renal Denervation on Office Blood Pressure of Patients with Resistant Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Resistant arterial hypertension (RAH) is one of the main causes of increased cardiovascular risk around the world. The benefits of ultrasound renal denervation (uRDN) as a non-invasive treatment are still not fully clear. We aim to demonstrate the efficacy of uRDN in reducing office blood pressure of patients in treatment for RAH. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for randomized trials comparing uRDN to sham or medical control groups in RAH patients undergoing renal denervation. Mean Differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and I2 statistics assessed heterogeneity. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Statistical analysis was performed using R software version 4.2.3. It was included 5 studies with 709 patients, of which 395 (55.71%) received uRDN treatment and 314 (44.29%) in the sham group. Mean follow-up time ranged from 2 to 48 months and mean age ranged from 52.3 to 62 years. The uRDN decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in all measures significantly, including reductions in Office SBP (MD -4.459 mmHg; 95% CI -7.710 to -1.208; p = 0.007; I2 = 47%) and Office DBP (MD -2.039 mmHg; 95% CI -3.975 to -0.102; p = 0.039; I2 = 27%). This meta-analysis highlights uRDN's superiority over the sham group in controlling SBP and DBP in RAH. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the efficacy of uRDN procedure in the management of RAH.

Impaired systemic microvascular function in patients with resistant arterial hypertension and microalbuminuria: an observational study

Abstract Background Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide and is known to be associated with alterations of microvascular function. It is well known that microalbuminuria (MAU) is considered an early marker of renal and cardiac injury in SAH and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events in this population. Additionally, it is associated with altered endothelial function, which occurs from the early stages and can be considered an early marker. In some cases, SAH presents as resistant arterial hypertension (RAH), resulting in a worse prognosis compared to individuals with non-resistant hypertension. Moreover, MAU is associated with higher mortality, independent of glomerular filtration rate. Endothelial dysfunction is also a risk marker found in different conditions and can add to MAU in patients with RAH. Purpose To investigate systemic microvascular function in patients with RAH, with or without MAU. Methods 64 patients with RAH, of both genders (50% men), were evaluated, with 32 having MAU and 32 without MAU (defined as a urinary albumin/creatinine ratio between 30 and 300 mg/g in a routine urine sample). Microvascular function assessment was performed using a laser speckle system, allowing analysis of cutaneous microvascular flow. Flow measurements were expressed in arbitrary perfusion units (APU) divided by the mean arterial pressure to obtain cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC). A post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) test was performed, with brachial artery occlusion using a sphygmomanometer 50 mmHg above systolic pressure for 3 minutes; cutaneous flow was measured after release of the occlusion. Results Patients with or without MAU did not differ in terms of age, frequency of diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The peak CVC values during PORH were 0.64 ± 0.15 and 0.55 ± 0.15 APU/mmHg in RH and RH + MAU patients, respectively (P=0.03). The delta values (peak – baseline) during PORH were 0.31 ± 0.11 and 0.25 ± 0.09 APU/mmHg in RH and RH + MAU patients, respectively (P=0.04)(Figure 1). Conclusions PORH-induced vasodilation was found to be reduced in patients with RAH and MAU compared to patients without MAU. This finding shows alteration of endothelium-dependent vasodilation mechanisms in these patients, indicating reduced systemic microvascular endothelial function. Endothelial dysfunction may be associated with glomerular permeability changes, contributing to MAU and further increasing the risk for these patients. This suggests the need for more intensive therapeutic interventions and better risk stratification for these patients, as endothelial dysfunction can be found in the early stages of the disease.Figure 1

Assessing the efficacy of renal denervation in patients with resistant arterial hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background/Introduction Renal denervation (RDN) is an innovative procedure designed to regulate the renal sympathetic nervous system for the control of arterial hypertension (HTN). RDN emerges as an alternative for patients with resistant arterial hypertension. Despite this, the clinical efficacy of RDN is still not fully understood. Purpose Therefore, we aimed to compare the use of renal denervation versus sham procedure or pharmacological treatment in patients with resistant HTN. Methods We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of renal denervation procedures and sham procedure or pharmacological treatment in patients with resistant HTN. Statistical analyses were performed using R Studio 4.3.2. Heterogeneity was examined with the Cochran Q test I² statistics. Mean difference (MD) with 95% CI were pooled across trials. P values of &amp;lt; 0.05 were considered statistically significant. The primary continuous outcomes of interest were change from baseline in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and serum creatinine. Results Twenty-one RCTs reporting data on 3345 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Among them, 2004 (59,91%) received renal denervation and 1341 (40,09%) received pharmacological treament or sham procedure. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 48 months. The mean age of patients between studies ranged from 50.7 to 65 years. Compared to control group, RDN significantly reduced Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) (MD -3.53 mmHg; 95% CI -5.94 to -1.12; I2 = 74%) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) (MD -1.48 mmHg; 95% CI -2.56 to -0.40; I2 = 51%). Regarding serum creatinine (MD -2.51; 95% CI -7.90 to 2.87; I2 = 40%) there was no significant difference between RDN and control groups. Conclusion In this meta-analysis of RCTs of patients with resistant HTN, RDN was associated with a reduction in SBP and DBP compared to sham procedure or pharmacological treatment.

Issues of differential diagnosis of diseases accompanied by impaired patency of renal arteries at a young age

The article considers the most common causes of renal artery patency, diagnostic process algorithms and differential diagnosis for renal artery stenosis at different ages. The first significant clinical manifestation of renal artery stenosis of various etiologies is arterial hypertension (AH). It is poorly controlled AH, including resistant AH, developing at a young age, that is the basis for the diagnostic search for secondary causes of high blood pressure, including narrowing of the renal arteries. The article presents a clinical case of uncontrolled AH in a young man. A comprehensive assessment of clinical manifestations, laboratory and instrumental examination results made it possible to diagnose unilateral renal artery stenosis of atherosclerotic genesis.

Baxdrostat and finerenone: new aldosterone synthase-aldosterone-mineralocorticoid receptor hormonal system inhibitors for the drug treatment of resistant arterial hypertension

Resistant arterial hypertension is characterized by failure to control target blood pressure despite long-term use of optimal or maximum tolerated doses of three different antihypertensive drugs, including diuretic. Patients with resistant hypertension are included in a group of people at high risk of cardiovascular and renal complications, including accelerated progression of chronic kidney disease with a more rapid transition to the final stage of the disease. Resistant hypertension is based on a salt-sensitive, volume-dependent form of hypertension, which usually occurs against the background of increased aldosterone production and normal or even decreased renin plasma activity. A key role in its formation is played by an increase of sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, associated with excessive activity of aldosterone-sensitive epithelial sodium channels (ENaC), which control the reabsorption of this ion in the distal segments of the nephron. Its assumed that in this pathological process, in addition to aldosterone, is also involved the small Rho GTFase Rac1 — regulatory G-protein, which can enter into a direct ligand-independent interaction with mineralcorticoid receptors, performing the function of a powerful nonsteroidal activator of the transmission of their intracellular signals. Based on controlled, randomized clinical trials, the optimal fourth drug to overcome resistance in such patients is the steroid mineralcorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone. However, the inclusion of this drug in antihypertensive therapy not only fails to control blood pressure in a significant proportion of patients with resistant hypertension, but also significantly increases the risk of hyperkalemia, especially in people with impaired renal function. The review presents data on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of new inhibitors of aldosterone synthase-aldosterone-mineralocorticoid receptor hormonal system baxdrostat and finerenone, as well as the results of clinical studies assessing the clinical effectiveness and safety profile of these drugs in patients with resistant hypertension.

Assessing the efficacy of renal denervation in patients with resistant arterial hypertension : Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Renal denervation (RDN) is an innovative procedure designed to regulate the renal sympathetic nervous system for the control of arterial hypertension (HTN). RDN has emerged as an alternative for patients with resistant HTN. However, the clinical efficacy of RDN remains incompletely elucidated. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the use of RDN with sham procedure or pharmacological treatment in patients with resistant HTN. Statistical analyses were performed using RStudio 4.3.2 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Heterogeneity was examined with the CochranQ testI2 statistics. Mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled across trials. Pvalues of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The primary outcomes of interest were changes from baseline in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and serum creatinine. Twenty-one RCTs comprising 3345 patients were included in this meta-analysis, whereby 2004 (59.91%) received renal denervation and 1341 (40.09%) received pharmacological treatment or sham procedure. Follow-up ranged from 2to 48months. Compared to control group, RDN significantly reduced SBP (MD -3.53 mm Hg; 95% CI -5.94 to -1.12; p = 0.004; I2 = 74%) and DBP (MD -1.48 mm Hg; 95% CI -2.56 to -0.40; p = 0.007; I2 = 51%). Regarding serum creatinine (MD -2.51; 95% CI -7.90 to 2.87; p = 0.36; I2 = 40%), there was no significant difference between RDN and control groups. In this meta-analysis of RCTs of patients with resistant HTN, RDN was associated with areduction in SBP and DBP compared to sham procedure or pharmacological treatment.

P001 AN UNCOMMON CAUSE OF HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN YOUNG BASKETBALL PLAYER

Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that affect approximately 1.5–9 patients per million. They originate from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla or sympathetic and parasympathetic ganglia. Paragangliomas account for 10%–20% of retroperitoneal tumors and can manifest at any age. These tumors can secrete catecholamines, leading to symptoms such as hypertension, headaches, and diaphoresis.However, palpitations or tachycardia may also be present. Definitive treatment entails surgical resection, with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality, necessitating careful patient preparation and intraoperative management. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 29-year-old man with a BMI 26,5 kg/m2, who is physically active and without other cardiovascular risk factors, episodic hypertension, headaches and blush. A contrast CT scan of the abdomen revealed a retroperitoneal intercavoaortic mass and 24-hour urine Normetanephrines were significantly elevated, indicating a functional paraganglioma. Laboratory tests revealed an elevated plasma normetanephrine level of 1838 pg/ml (reference values 0 - 180 pg/ml). The patient was prepared for surgery with alpha blockers, followed by beta blockers. Intraoperative blood pressure elevation was managed with intravenous beta blockers. Postoperatively, the patient did not require anti-hypertensives. The tumor, measuring 6x4x3.5 cm, histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of a normetanephrine producing paraganglioma. The genetic study revealed a pathogenic variant in the SDHB gene, specifically the c.166_170delCCTCA (p.Pro56Tyrfs*5) in heterozygosity. This variant is associated with a 49% risk of Pheochromocytoma and Hereditary Paraganglioma, a 14% risk of Renal Carcinoma and susceptibility to Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors. The c.166_170delCCTCA variant follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, indicating a 50% risk of recurrence. Conclusions: The diagnosis of extra-adrenal retroperitoneal paragangliomas remains challenging due to the silent evolution of the condition. It is essential to consider screening patients who are young, and present with resistant arterial hypertension for secondary hypertension.

VE80 Robot-assisted renal denervation as a new surgical approach for therapy resistant arterial hypertension

VE80 Robot-assisted renal denervation as a new surgical approach for therapy resistant arterial hypertension

The Role of Immunohistochemistry in Managing Clinical Hypertension and Other Chronic Inflammatory Processes

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a pivotal technique in the visualization of specific proteins within tissue samples, leveraging antigen-antibody interactions to elucidate protein presence, distribution, and abundance. In clinical hypertension, IHC is instrumental in unraveling disease mechanisms, identifying biomarkers, and fostering targeted therapies. This review delves into IHC’s contributions to managing hypertension by examining its role in understanding the pathophysiology and identifying key proteins like those in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Elevated angiotensin II type 1 receptors in vascular walls, detected via IHC, correlate with hypertension and vascular remodeling. Additionally, IHC identifies inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, linking chronic inflammation to hypertension. The technique is vital for discovering biomarkers like endothelial nitric oxide synthase and vascular endothelial growth factor, essential for assessing endothelial function. IHC also detects oxidative stress markers, aiding in understanding oxidative mechanisms in hypertension. Evaluating antihypertensive therapies at a molecular level, IHC shows how interventions affect protein expression and vascular health, guiding therapeutic strategies. By revealing proteins differentially expressed in hypertensive tissues, IHC identifies new therapeutic targets, enhancing treatment efficacy. Furthermore, this review explores the application of IHC in other chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, highlighting its broader relevance in disease management. Recent advancements include the development of new drugs targeting specific molecular pathways, such as endothelin 1 receptor antagonists like aprocitentan, approved by the FDA in March 2024 for the treatment of resistant arterial hypertension. Overall, IHC significantly advances both research and clinical practice, promising improved health outcomes through continued methodological advancements.

MODERN VIEW ON RADIOFREQUENCY DENERVATION OF RENAL ARTERIES

Today, arterial hypertension is one of the most important health problems. It is also the main cause of cardiovascular complications and death. Despite significant success of modern antihypertensive pharmacotherapy, 10 % of the entire patient population with high blood pressure have extremely low sensitivity to core drugs aimed at BP correction. According to large clinical studies, the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke and other adverse cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with resistant hypertension is several times higher than in patients with controlled blood pressure. The purpose of this work is to analyze scientific literature on the history of development, effectiveness and safety of catheter radiofrequency denervation of renal arteries in patients with resistant arterial hypertension. The authors used articles from Pubmed, eLIBRARY, etc. for their analysis. The results of clinical studies show that patients with resistant arterial hypertension, in contrast to patients with controlled blood pressure, have more pronounced sympathetic activity. Hyperactivity of this part of the nervous system may be one of the main pathogenetic factors causing development of resistance to pharmacotherapy. Thus, radiofrequency renal denervation, modulating the tone of the sympathetic nervous system, is of particular interest.

The influence of anxiety and depressive disorders on the development of resistant arterial hypertension

The problem of comorbidity of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and anxiety-depressive disorders is actively discussed in modern scientific literature. Taking into account the widespread prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in the population, their negative impact on the quality of life and functioning of patients, prerequisites are accumulating for the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions by non-psychiatric doctors. The review presents current data on risk factors, relationships and principles for diagnosing resistant arterial hypertension (RAH) and anxiety-depressive disorders. The prevalence of resistant arterial hypertension is about 10–20 %, with a significant proportion of cases accounting for secondary arterial hypertension and pseudoresistance. The incidence of anxiety and depressive disorders in patients with arterial hypertension is 42 % and 52 %, respectively. The prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders in RAH is 36.8 %. Such comorbidity contributes to the progression of PAH, worsens the patient’s prognosis, and reduces adherence to therapy. Given the close relationship between psychoemotional factors and CVD, patients with RAH are advised to undergo screening for anxiety and depression.

Aprocitentan: a novel option for treatment of resistant arterial hypertension.

Aprocitentan: a novel option for treatment of resistant arterial hypertension.

Оценка чувствительности методов диагностики в выявлении гемодинамически значимых односторонних стенозов почечных артерий

Objective. Assessment of renal artery stenosis significance in patients with resistant arterial hypertension using non-invasive diagnostic methods and to compare them with the results of selective angiography and methods of physiological assessment of renal artery stenoses.Materials and methods. Prospectively, 156 patients with drug-resistant arterial hypertension and signs of renal artery stenosis detected by doppler ultrasonography of renal arteries were included in the study. Subsequently, 25 patients were excluded from the study due to multiple variant renal blood supply and bilateral renal artery stenosis. The remaining patients (n=131) underwent selective angiography of renal arteries, and 66 of them additionally underwent CTA of renal arteries with intravenous contrast. If the artery narrowing was 90% or more (n=27) in diameter, the stenosis was considered hemodynamically significant and further stenting of the affected artery was performed, and in case of 60-90% stenosis (n=52) additional assessment of functional significance of the stenosis was performed by measuring translesional pressure gradient, fractional blood flow reserve, instantaneous blood flow reserve (iFR) and Pd/ Pa ratio. Results. Among all patients (n=131), in whom the doppler ultrasonography of renal arteries showed signs of unilateral renal artery stenosis, after angiography combined with additional methods of functional significance assessment, hemodynamically significant renal artery stenosis was confirmed in 41% of cases (n=54). Thus, the sensitivity of doppler ultrasonography of renal arteries in detection of hemodynamically significant stenoses was 74%, prognostic value of positive 78% and negative result 64% (p&lt;0,001). According to CTA (n=66) renal artery stenosis was confirmed in 56 patients. The results of CTA of renal arteries in 88% of cases coincided with the results of selective angiography, and using additional functional methods hemodynamically significant stenosis was confirmed in 32 (48%) patients. The sensitivity of CTA in detection of hemodynamically significant stenoses of renal arteries was 69%, specificity 91%, prognostic value of positive and negative results was 91 and 68% respectively. According to selective angiography, out of 131 patients, 24 patients had no renal artery stenosis, 28 patients had stenosis &lt;60%, 27 patients had renal artery stenosis &gt;90% and 52 patients had stenosis 60-90%. Patients with stenosis &lt;60% were not considered candidates for renal artery stenting.

Renal denervation for the management of refractory ventricular arrhythmias

Abstract Background While catheter ablation (CA) has proven effective in managing ventricular arrhythmias (VA) associated with structural heart disease, a portion of patients continue to experience refractory VA despite medical treatment and multiple CA procedures. In such cases, additional techniques, such as autonomic neuromodulation, have been explored. Renal denervation (RDN), traditionally performed for the treatment of resistant arterial hypertension, inhibits the afferent renal sympathetic pathway, leading to reduced efferent sympathetic overactivation on a systemic level. Due to this mechanism, it has also been studied for the management of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation and VA, with favorable results. Objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of RDN for the management of refractory VA storms in high-risk patients. Methods A retrospective analysis of RDN procedures for electrical storms, conducted at a tertiary center between February 2020 and September 2023. We analyzed baseline patient characteristics, procedural details, and acute complications. Recurrence of VA after RDN was assessed at one and six months. Results A total of 7 patients underwent RDN for the treatment of refractory VA. The mean age was 56 ± 10 years (6 male). The primary diagnosis was ischemic cardiomyopathy (n=5), with a mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 20 ± 5%, and no history of resistant arterial hypertension. All patients had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) (two with concomitant resynchronization therapy). Five patients had undergone previous endocardial VA ablation. Of the two patients without prior VA ablation, one had a contraindication because of a large left ventricle thrombus, and the other was submitted to an electrophysiological study, but without inducible ventricular tachycardia. In the four weeks before RDN, patients exhibited a mean of 12 ± 18 sustained VA episodes, meeting the criteria for electrical storm (3 ≥ episodes in 24h). During the procedure, there was a mean of 7 ± 8 radiofrequency applications in the right renal artery and 6 ± 10 in the left renal artery. No acute complications were observed. One month after the procedure, VA episodes were reduced to a mean of 0 ± 1, with only two patients experiencing recurrent VA. After six months, the absence of VA recurrence remained consistent, with only one patient experiencing new episodes. There were no deaths during this period. Conclusion In our pilot study, RDN appeared to be a safe and effective treatment for the management of VA.VA episodes before and after RDN

Is endothelin targeting finally ready for prime time?

The endothelin family of peptides has long been recognized as a physiological regulator of diverse biological functions and mechanistically involved in various disease states, encompassing, among others, the cardiovascular system, the kidney, and the nervous system. Pharmacological blockade of the endothelin system, however, has encountered strong obstacles in its entry into the clinical mainstream, having obtained only a few proven indications until recently. This translational gap has been attributable predominantly to the relevant side effects associated with endothelin receptor antagonism (ERA), particularly fluid retention. Of recent, however, an expanding understanding of the pathophysiological processes involving endothelin, in conjunction with the development of new antagonists of endothelin receptors or adjustment of their doses, has driven a flourish of new clinical trials. The favorable results of some of them have extended the proven indications for ET targeting to a variety of clinical conditions, including resistant arterial hypertension and glomerulopathies. In addition, on the ground of strong preclinical evidence, other studies are ongoing to test the potential benefits of ERA in combination with other treatments, such as sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibition in fluid retentive states or anti-cancer therapies in solid tumors. Furthermore, antibodies providing long-term blockade of endothelin receptors are under testing to overcome the short half-life of most small molecule endothelin antagonists. These efforts may yet bring new life to the translation of endothelin targeting strategies in clinical practice.

#2169 Transplant renal artery stenosis in recipients with resistant arterial hypertension

Abstract Background and Aims Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis (TRAS) is a vascular complication after kidney transplantation. It worsens the prognosis of the graft and the patient's life. The aim was to study the incidence of TRAS as a cause of resistant arterial hypertension in kidney transplant recipients in the Republic of Belarus and the efficiency of its endovascular treatment. Method The study included 187 kidney transplant recipients. Blood pressure of 72 (38.5%) patients was less than 130/80 mmHg without taking antihypertensive drugs. Arterial hypertension was diagnosed in 115 (61.5%) recipients. The study included clinical, laboratory and instrumental methods (24-hour blood pressure monitoring, Doppler ultrasound, graft scintigraphy with captopril). Results 31 (16.6%) recipients needed to take one antihypertensive drug, 43 (23.0%)—2 drugs, 41 (21.9%)—3 or more. 17 (9.1%) recipients did not have target blood pressure correction while taking more than 4 antihypertensive drugs. There was decreased blood flow in the graft artery with a peak systolic velocity &amp;gt; 200 cm/s in 14 (7.5%) cases. These patients were submitted to the graft nephroscintigraphy with caplopril where 8 grafts (4.3%) were diagnosed signs of TRAS. These recipients were submitted to the renal angiography with the injection of 150 (100; 200) ml of contrast agent. 5 (2.7%) recipients were diagnosed with hemodynamically significant TRAS of more than 70 (65; 75) % and received percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting. All these patients had a decrease of glomerular filtration rate and resistant arterial hypertension before operation. The average age of the patients with TRAS was 57.4 ± 11.0 years, the period after transplantation was 11 ± 3 months. Their blood tests did not show dyslipidemia, but 4 out of 5 cases had diabetes mellitus. Their postoperative period had no complications. The patient was placed on dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and clopidogrel. There was an increase in glomerular filtration rate by 27 ± 7 ml/min/1.73 m2 and a decrease in systolic blood pressure by 40 (40; 45) mm Hg in the early postoperative period. Graft artery stenting allowed reducing the number of antihypertensive drugs to one tablet in 4 out of 5 patients. Conclusion Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis is a rare but significant complication of the late postoperative period that may cause resistant hypertension in kidney transplant recipients. Timely identification and stenting of the graft artery improves the graft functioning and reduces blood pressure.

FOLLOW-UP OF SURVIVAL PATIENTS WITH RESISTANT ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Objective: Resistant arterial hypertension (RAH) contributes to high mortality worldwide. Aim of the study: to assess 7-year follow-up survival and development of a composite end point (CEP) in patients with RAH. Design and method: The analysis includes 50 patients with RAH who were discharged from hospital. After 7 years discharge from the hospital, the patients underwent office BP measurement. Adverse events or death were reported as the composite endpoint (CEP). The average age of patients as of 2016 was 57.89 ± 11.81 y.o. 16% had type 2 diabetes (n=8). Results: After 7 years, in 32% (n=16) developed CEP, and 10% (n=5) of them died. The BMI increased from 30.87 ± 6.30 to 33.80 ± 6.90 kg/m2 (p&lt;0.05). 20% had smoke (n=10), but 8% (n=4) (quit smoking after developing CEP). After 7 years, 48.88% of patients (n=22) controlled office blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg and 51.11% did not (n=23). Among patients who reached the target office BP (130.73 ± 6.61/81.59 ± 4.13 mmHg), there was a decrease in the number of drugs from 3.76 ± 0.19 to 2.85 ± 0.14, p&lt;0.05. 45% (n=10) from the group took fixed combinations. Among patients who did not reach target office BP (148.04 ± 7.49/92.17 ± 4.66 mmHg), there was also a decrease in the number of drugs from 3.52 ± 0.18 to 2.50 ± 0.13, p&lt;0.05 – patients decision. After regression analysis the main factors that were associated with the occurrence of CEP in patients with RAH were: the presence of diabetes (β= 5,237, p= 0,032) smoking (β=4,326, p= 0,037), increased body weight (β =3,423, p=0,024), failure to achieve target blood pressure levels (β =4,152, p=0,041) Conclusions: Mortality among patients with RAH were 10% during 7 years. The total composite endpoint were 32%. Did not reach the target office BP in patients with RAH the factors for the development of combined end point was diabetes mellitus, smoking and weight gain.

FOLLOW-UP OF RENAL DENERVATION IN PATIENTS WITH RESISTANT ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Objective: Aim. Determining the long-term efficacy and safety of RDN the results of a 10-year follow-up Design and method: We selected 1146 patients with resistant arterial hypertension (RAH) who received 3 or more antihypertensive drugs. 16 patients were selected for renal artery denervation. RDN was performed in 8 patients (0.70%). 8 patients refused the procedure. The age was 52.13 ± 3.88 years (40–66), the duration of hypertension was 16.75 ± 2.17 (12–25) years. The number of antihypertensive drugs was 5.5 ± 0.18 (patients was in refractory hypertension). Office SBP/DBP on optimization of therapy was 156.88/95.00 ± 2.98 mm Hg and heart rate - 68.88 ± 3.28 beats/min. 24SBP/DBP was 149.16 ± 5.40/86.98 ± 5.08 mm Hg. 24HR was 70.12 ± 2.94 beats/min. All patients tolerated the procedure well. Results: The decrease in office SBP/DBP in the dynamics of 1 month, 12 months, 2 years, 5 years and 10 years were -12,59/-10,0, -11,17/-2,57, -20,31/-11,71, -27,71/-13,33 and -30,21/-16,67 mm Hg, respectively. The office heart rate (HR) decreased, its dynamics were -3.74 bpm, -4.68 bpm, -1.45 bpm, - 2.13 bpm. -4.21 bpm, - 3.88 bpm., respectively. The decrease in 24SBP/DBP was -14,45/-6,95, -8,70/-10,01, -19,45/-12,37, -19,91/-11,24, -29,93/-13,61 and -26,13/-23,35 mm Hg. (p&lt;0.05 for all values). 24HR dynamics: -3.16 bpm, - 4.19 bpm, + 1.43 bpm. -1.51 bpm, -4.46 bpm, and -5.49 bpm, respectively. After 2, 5, and 10 years, all patients reached the target blood pressure level both in the office and with ABPM. Patients reduced the number of antihypertensive drugs from 5.50±0.18 to 3.50±0.30 - after 5 years and 3.67±0.18 - after 10 years after RDN. GFR change over 10 years from 76.10±5.62 to 64.60±1.93 ml/min/1.73m2, p&gt;0.05. One patient died of thyroid cancer 2 years later. All other patients are alive and have not had any cardiovascular event or death during 10 years. Conclusions: Long-term results of renal artery denervation showed no cardiovascular events or cardiovascular death over 10 years. RDN contributed to a reduction in the number of antihypertensive drugs from 5.5 to 3.67 after 10 years of therapy. All patients achievement of the target BP level.

EFFECT OF RENAL DENERVATION ON 24H BLOOD PRESSURE PATTERN

Objective: Endovascular renal denervation (DRN) is a therapeutic approach for resistant arterial hypertension (RH). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of RDN on 24h blood pressure. Design and method: A retrospective evaluation of ABPM data at baseline and after 6 months from RDN in patients undergoing DRN between 01/01/2011 and 31/12/2021 in the Arterial Hypertension Center of Turin. Mean 24h, Daytime, Nighttime BP and HR values and short term 24h, daytime and nigthtime BP and HR varability parameters (standard deviation, dipping and coefficient of variation) were calculated. Results: The series included 14 subjects, of which 8 (57%) were female and with an average age 54±10 years. The number of antihypertensive drugs before renal denervation was 5.7±1.0. At baseline office BP was 188/113±22±18 mmHg and ABPM 24h BP was 150/92±21±16 mmHg. Patients were considered as responders if a reduction of least 10 mmHg in systolic blood pressure (PAS) at 24h Blood Pressure Monitoring at six months from RDN was obtained. From a safety point of view, there were no short-term or long-term complications. The responders at six months were 66%. Non-responders showed an increased blood pressure variability compared to responders at baseline and only one was dipper. The responders had a statistically significant redution of SD24h after DRN, an increased average nocturnal blood pressure drop and a lower pressure variability. While in non-responders no redution in SDnight, SDday and coefficient of variation was found, by contrast all of them become dippers because mean daytime SBP increase. Conclusions: In conclusion, pressure variability (SD24h and coefficient of variation) is globally reduced in the denerved patients, this trend is particularly present in responders. The non-responders have an increased BP variability at baseline without decreasing after DRN. These results suggest that, when effective, DRN can reduce both BP levels and BP variability, thus may have an important effect in reducing cardiovascular risk.

Features of The Dynamics of Profibrotic Markers and Regression of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy After Renal Denervation in Patients With Resistant Hypertension and Stenosing Atherosclerosis of the Coronary Arteries.

To compare the changes in serum concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitor (TIMP) to the dynamics of blood pressure (BP) and parameters of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) 6 months after renal denervation (RD) in patients with resistant arterial hypertension (RAH) and complicated coronary atherosclerosis. In 22 RAH patients with complicated coronary atherosclerosis (revascularization and/or history of myocardial infarction (MI)), 24-hour BP monitoring, echocardiography, and measurement of blood MMPs and TIMP were performed at baseline and six months after RD. The comparison group consisted of 48 RAH patients without a history of coronary revascularization or MI. In 6 months after RD, BP was decreased comparably in both groups. In the group of complicated atherosclerosis, there were no significant changes in profibrotic markers or LVH parameters. Thus, at baseline and after 6 months, the values of the studied indicators were the following: left ventricular myocardial mass (LVMM) 233.1±48.1 and 243.0±52.0 g, LVMM index 60.6±14.5 and 62.8±10 .9 g/m2.7, proMMP-1 4.9 [2.1; 7.7] and 3.6 [2.0; 9.4] ng/ml, MMP-2 290.4 [233.1; 352.5] and 352.2 [277.4; 402.9] ng/ml, MMP-9 220.6 [126.9; 476.7] and 263.5 [82.9; 726.2] ng/ml, TIMP-1 395.7 [124.7; 591.4] and 424.2 [118.2; 572.0] ng/ml, respectively. In the comparison group, on the contrary, there was a significant decrease in LVMM from 273.6±83.3 g to 254.1±70.4 g, LVMM index from 67.1±12.3 to 64.0±14.4 g/m2.7, proMMP-1 from 7.2 [3.6; 11.7] to 5.9 [3.5; 10.9] ng/ml, MMP-2 from 328.9 [257.1; 378.1] to 272.8 [230.2; 343.2] ng/ml, MMP-9 from 277.9 [137.0; 524.0] to 85.5 [34.2; 225.9] ng/ml, and the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio from 0.80 [0.31; 1.30] to 0.24 [0.07; 0.76]. The BP dynamics in this group was inversely correlated with MMP-2 at 6 months (r=-0.38), and the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was correlated with LVMM and the LVMM index at baseline (r=0.39 and r=0.39) and at 6 months (r=0.37 and r=0.32). The change in TIMP-1 from 543.9 [277.5; 674.1] to 469.8 [289.7; 643.6] ng/ml was not significant (p=0.060). In RAH patients with complicated coronary atherosclerosis, the dynamics of profibrotic biomarkers and LVH parameters after RD was absent despite the pronounced antihypertensive effect, probably due to the low reversibility of cardiovascular remodeling processes or more complex regulatory mechanisms of the MMP system.