Laparoscopic adrenalectomy vs. radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of primary aldosteronism. A single center retrospective cohort analysis adjusted with propensity score.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is the gold standard treatment for unilateral primary aldosteronism. However, satisfactory results have also been published with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The aim of this study was to compare LA and RFA for the treatment of primary aldosteronism. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of the patients who underwent LA or RFA in a single center was performed. Morbidity and long-term effectiveness (cure rate and blood pressure control) were analyzed. A multivariate analysis with a propensity score was also performed. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included in the study, 24 in the LA group and 10 in the RFA group. Hypertension had been diagnosed a median of 12 years before the intervention. Hypertension was properly controlled before the intervention in 55.9% of the patients. Hypertensive crisis was more common during RFA (4.2% vs. 70.0%, p < 0.001), although no patient suffered any complication because of these crises. LA was longer (174.6 vs. 105.5 min, p = 0.001) and had a longer length of stay (median 2 vs 1 days, p < 0.001). No severe complications were observed in any of the patients. After a median follow-up of 46.2 months, more patients had hypertension cured and blood pressure controlled in the LA group (29.2% vs. 0%, p = 0.078 and 95.5% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.006, respectively). Also, patients in the LA group were taking less antihypertensive drugs (1.8 vs. 3.0, p = 0.054) or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (41.7% vs. 90.0%, p = 0.020). Multivariate analysis adjusted by propensity score showed that LA had an OR = 11.3 (p = 0.138) for hypertension cure and an OR = 55.1 (p = 0.040) for blood pressure control. CONCLUSIONS: Although RFA was a less invasive procedure than LA, hypertension was cured and blood pressure was properly controlled in more patients from the LA group. Patients who underwent LA were taking less antihypertensive drugs than patients who had undergone RFA.

Information and consensus document for the detection and management of chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem worldwide that affects more than 10% of the Spanish population. CKD is associated with high comorbidity rates, poor prognosis and major consumption of health system resources. Since the publication of the last consensus document on CKD seven years ago, little evidence has emerged and few clinical trials on new diagnostic and treatment strategies in CKD have been conducted, apart from new trials in diabetic kidney disease. Therefore, CKD international guidelines have not been recently updated. The rigidity and conservative attitude of the guidelines should not prevent the publication of updates in knowledge about certain matters that may be key in detecting CKD and managing patients with this disease. This document, also prepared by 10 scientific associations, provides an update on concepts, clarifications, diagnostic criteria, remission strategies and new treatment options. The evidence and the main studies published on these aspects of CKD have been reviewed. This should be considered more as an information document on CKD. It includes an update on CKD detection, risk factors and screening; a definition of renal progression; an update of remission criteria with new suggestions in the older population; CKD monitoring and prevention strategies; management of associated comorbidities, particularly in diabetes mellitus; roles of the Primary Care physician in CKD management; and what not to do in Nephrology. The aim of the document is to serve as an aid in the multidisciplinary management of the patient with CKD based on current recommendations and knowledge.

Systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, or pulse pressure as a cardiovascular risk factor in renal disease.

Chronic kidney disease is a leading global health problem with an increasing prevalence. Hypertension is present in most patients with chronic kidney disease, and hypertension-related nephrosclerosis is a top cause of progressive renal damage and end-stage renal disease. Systolic blood pressure (BP) and pulse pressure, together with nocturnal BP, are the most important factors favoring the progression of renal failure. Consequently, strict control of BP and other cardiovascular risk factors is required, including an adequate degree of suppression of the renin-angiotensin system in every patient.

Angiotensin receptor blockade in diabetic renal disease--focus on candesartan.

Prevention and regression of diabetic renal disease can be obtained through the combination of strict blood pressure control, which frequently requires the combination of different antihypertensive drugs, with tight glycaemic control. Recent evidence obtained with the angiotensin receptor blockers has allowed the recognition by most guidelines that this class of agents constitutes the first choice to treat hypertension in type 2 diabetic patients presenting with diabetic renal disease at any stage of evolution, from microalbuminuria to advanced renal failure. Of course this must be accompanied by an integral coverture of the increased global cardiovascular risk that always accompanies this situation. This short review contains the most relevant evidence in favour of angiotensin receptor blockers, with particular emphasis on the capacities of candesartan for controlling blood pressure and protecting the kidney. In patients with type 2 diabetes and varying degrees of albuminuria, treatment with candesartan 8-32mg daily was shown to reduce urinary albumin excretion (UAE) by up to 60%. When given in addition to an ACE inhibitor (dual blockade), reductions in UAE of 25-35% relative to ACE inhibitor monotherapy have been found.

Trandolapril/verapamil combination in hypertensive diabetic patients.

Cardiovascular diseases are directly affected by arterial hypertension. When associated with diabetes mellitus, the potential deleterious effects are well amplified. Both conditions play a central role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke, and renal insufficiency. Prevalence of hypertension is much higher among diabetic than non-diabetic patients, and the hypertensive patient is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Current international guidelines recommend aggressive reductions in blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients with additional risk factors, including cardiovascular risk factors, and emphasize the relevance of intensive reduction in patients with diabetes mellitus; a goal of 130/80 mm Hg is required. To achieve BP target a combination of antihypertensives will be needed, and the use of long-acting drugs that are able to provide 24-hour efficacy with a once-daily dosing confers the noteworthy advantages of compliance improvement and BP variation lessening. Lower dosages of the individual treatments of the combination therapy can be administered for the same antihypertensive efficiency as that attained with high dosages of monotherapy. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and calcium-channel blockers as a combination have theoretically compelling advantages for vessel homeostasis. Trandolapril/verapamil sustained release combination has showed beneficial effects on cardiac and renal systems as well as its antihypertensive efficacy, with no metabolic disturbances. This combination can be considered as an effective therapy for the diabetic hypertensive population.

Documento de información y consenso para la detección y manejo de la enfermedad renal crónica / Information and consensus document for the detection and management of chronic kidney disease

La enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) es un importante problema de salud pública a nivel mundial afectando a más del 10% de la población española. Se asocia a elevada comorbilidad, mal pronóstico, así como a un gran consumo de recursos en el sistema sanitario. Desde la publicación del último documento de consenso sobre ERC publicado hace siete años, han sido escasas las evidencias y los ensayos clínicos que hayan mostrado nuevas estrategias en el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la ERC, con excepción de los nuevos ensayos en la enfermedad renal diabética. Esta situación ha condicionado que no se hayan actualizado las guías internacionales específicas de ERC. Esta rigidez y actitud conservadora de las guías no debe impedir la publicación de actualizaciones en el conocimiento en algunos aspectos, que pueden ser clave en la detección y manejo del paciente con ERC. En este documento, elaborado en conjunto por diez sociedades científicas, se muestra una actualización sobre conceptos, aclaraciones, criterios diagnósticos, estrategias de remisión y nuevas opciones terapéuticas.Se han revisado las evidencias y los principales estudios publicados en estos aspectos de la ERC, considerándose más bien un documento de información sobre esta patología. El documento incluye una actualización sobre la detección de la ERC, factores de riesgo, cribado, definición de progresión renal, actualización en los criterios de remisión con nuevas sugerencias en la población anciana, monitorización y estrategias de prevención de la ERC, manejo de comorbilidades asociadas, especialmente en diabetes mellitus, funciones del médico de Atención Primaria en el manejo de la ERC y qué no hacer en Nefrología.El objetivo del documento es que sirva de ayuda en el manejo multidisciplinar del paciente con ERC basado en las recomendaciones y conocimientos actuales. (AU)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem worldwide that affects more than 10% of the Spanish population. CKD is associated with high comorbidity rates, poor prognosis and major consumption of health system resources. Since the publication of the last consensus document on CKD seven years ago, little evidence has emerged and few clinical trials on new diagnostic and treatment strategies in CKD have been conducted, apart from new trials in diabetic kidney disease. Therefore, CKD international guidelines have not been recently updated. The rigidity and conservative attitude of the guidelines should not prevent the publication of updates in knowledge about certain matters that may be key in detecting CKD and managing patients with this disease. This document, also prepared by 10 scientific societies, provides an update on concepts, clarifications, diagnostic criteria, remission strategies and new treatment options.The evidence and the main studies published on these aspects of CKD have been reviewed. This should be considered more as an information document on CKD. It includes an update on CKD detection, risk factors and screening; a definition of renal progression; an update of remission criteria with new suggestions in the older population; CKD monitoring and prevention strategies; management of associated comorbidities, particularly in diabetes mellitus; roles of the Primary Care physician in CKD management; and what not to do in Nephrology.The aim of the document is to serve as an aid in the multidisciplinary management of the patient with CKD based on current recommendations and knowledge. (AU)

Ischemic nephropathy: detection and therapeutic intervention.

Although the real prevalence of ischemic nephropathy as a cause of end-stage renal disease is unknown, its incidence has increased in past years. The diagnosis of this pathology requires that a number of functional and anatomic tests be carried out. The initial approach should be to perform duplex Doppler ultrasonography which, besides providing data on the size and extent of the stenosis, enables the intrarenal resistive index to be estimated to determine the pattern of renal parenchyma injury and the expected progression if revascularized. The most frequently used morphologic techniques are magnetic resonance angiography and computer tomography angiography. In the event of ischemic neuropathy, it is necessary to perform a renal arteriography regardless of the inherent risks of contrast toxicity or atheroembolism. Various therapeutic options are reviewed, with emphasis on percutaneous transluminal renal angiography plus stent as the first indication. Even though initial reports were contradictory, several meta-analyses have concluded that better blood pressure control and renal function improvement are achieved with percutaneous transluminal renal angiography plus stent than with conventional medical therapy. Surgical revascularization is preferable in patients with severe aorto-iliac pathology and renal artery ostium complete thrombosis. The risks and benefits of these procedures must be evaluated on an individual basis.

Primary aldosteronism and its various clinical scenarios.

BACKGROUND: Primary aldosteronism is the most frequent endocrine cause of secondary hypertension. Aldosterone excess damages the cardiovascular system. OBJECTIVES: We compared biochemical; morphological, and cardiovascular risk differences among hypokalemic and normokalemic primary aldosteronism. We evaluated either both presentations correspond to two different entities or a unique disease in different evolutive stage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study including 157 patients with primary aldosteronism divided into two groups: typical presentation (serum potassium < 3.5 mmol/l, n = 87) and atypical presentation (serum potassium > 3.5 mmol/l, n = 70). RESULTS: The typical presentation group showed higher family background of ischemic heart disease (P = 0.028), plasmatic aldosterone levels (P = 0.001), and cardiovascular added risk (P = 0.013). Although kalemia was corrected in the hypokalemic group after specific treatment, typical presentation maintained lower levels. Predictors of typical presentation were the highest tertile of aldosterone level, baseline DBP, and a longer evolution of hypertension. Aldosterone serum levels increased along time in primary aldosteronism and it can be considered as the most discriminative factor for the type of presentation. CONCLUSION: Primary aldosteronism presentation along with normokalemia or hypokalemia could be the same disease at different evolution stages. Adequate detection of normokalemic primary aldosteronism deserves an early and intentional diagnostic attitude.

Management of resistant hypertension in a multidisciplinary unit of renal denervation: protocol and results.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Resistant hypertension is a clinical problem because of its difficult management and increased morbidity and mortality. Catheter-based renal denervation has been demonstrated to improve control in these patients. The results of establishing a multidisciplinary unit for the implementation of renal denervation in the management of resistant hypertension are described. METHODS: A team of nephrologists and cardiologists created a protocol for patient selection, intervention, and follow-up. One hundred and ninety-seven patients with poorly controlled essential hypertension, despite taking 3 or more drugs, were included. The ablation technique previously described was supported by a navigator based on rotational angiography. Blood pressure at baseline and after follow-up was compared using the Wilcoxon test for paired samples. RESULTS: One hundred and eight patients (55%) with pseudo-resistant hypertension were excluded. The other 89 were given antialdosteronic drugs, to which 60 patients (30%) responded. The remaining 29 patients (15%) were candidates for denervation. Eleven patients, with blood pressure 164/99 mmHg and taking 4.4 antihypertensive drugs, were ablated. After 72 days of follow-up, systolic and diastolic blood pressure fell by 25 mmHg (P=.02) and 10 mmHg (P=.06), respectively. In 10 patients (91%) at least 1 drug was discontinued. CONCLUSIONS: Renal denervation performed by a multidisciplinary team led to an improvement in blood pressure similar to previous studies, with a greater reduction of antihypertensive drugs.

Microalbuminuria breakthrough under chronic renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system suppression.

OBJECTIVES: Microalbuminuria has been shown to be a potent predictor for future development of cardiovascular and renal events that can be prevented by the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEis) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Both classes of drugs are now-a-days widely used in the treatment of arterial hypertension since the very early stages of the cardiorenal continuum when only cardiovascular risk factors are detected. We describe here the development of de-novo microalbuminuria in patients chronically treated with either an ACEi or an ARB at adequate doses. METHODS: We reviewed the evolution of 1433 patients (mean age 60.5 ±â€Š12.4 years, 50.3% men, 6.6% having type 2 diabetes), arriving in our hospital-based Hypertension Unit previously treated for a least 2 years either with an ACEi or an ARB, at adequate doses, alone or in combination with other antihypertensive drugs. RESULTS: A total of 184 (16.1%) patients developed new-onset microalbuminuria, whereas macroalbuminuria was detected in 11 (1.0%) patients at the end of follow-up. Albuminuria appeared at any level of blood pressure (BP) from below 130/80 mmHg, albeit the highest percentage was seen when SBP was above 160 mmHg. De-novo microalbuminuria was more frequent in those patients presenting with established cardiovascular disease and predicts the future development of cardiovascular events but was not accompanied by a significant worsening of renal function. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that a reappraisal of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) suppression is required when microalbuminuria appears in patients under chronic RAAS suppression.

Cardiovascular and Renal Links along the Cardiorenal Continuum.

The cardiorenal syndrome includes the widely known relationship between kidney function and cardiovascular disease. A large number of patients have various degrees of heart and kidney dysfunction worldwide, both in developed and developing countries. Disorders affecting one of them mostly involve the other. Such interactions represent the pathogenesis for a clinical condition called cardiorenal syndrome. Renal and cardiovascular disease shares similar etiologic risk factors. The majority of vascular events are caused by accelerated atherosclerosis. Moreover, cardiovascular events rarely occur in patients without underlying disease; rather, they typically take place as the final stage of a pathophysiological process that results in progressive vascular damage, including vital organ damage, specifically the kidney and the heart if these factors are uncontrolled. Chronic kidney disease is a novel risk factor included at this stage that accelerates both vascular and cardiac damage.

Validation of a therapeutic scheme for the treatment of resistant hypertension.

We tested the hypothesis that a therapeutic strategy of substituting the diuretic (most commonly hydrochlorothiazide) with chlorthalidone (50 mg/day), and, if needed, the calcium channel blocker with the highest dose of the most commonly used calcium antagonist (amlodipine 10 mg), and adding on top a direct renin inhibitor (aliskiren 300 mg) is effective to treat resistant hypertensive patients not responding to spironolactone. The scheme was tested in a group of 76 patients who had true treatment resistant hypertension (24-hour mean blood pressure ≥130/80 mm Hg while receiving three or more drugs). An effective response to spironolactone was defined as 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP) drop by more than 20 mm Hg, and was obtained with 25-50 mg in 60 patients (78.9%). In patients with inadequate response to spironolactone (n = 16), we administered the triple combination plus the remaining therapy, a mean decrease of 29 mm Hg (95% CI 11-48; P = .004) for SBP and 12 mm Hg (95% CI: 4-20 mm Hg) for diastolic BP were observed. In only 1 of 16 patients (6%), the response was considered as insufficient. These data indicate the need for further testing this scheme that looks really promising to treat resistant hypertensive patients not responding to spironolactone.

Bloqueantes del sistema Renina-Angiotensina e infección por COVID-19 / Renin-Angiotensin System Blockers And Covid-19 Infection

No disponible

Clinical trials in nephrology: success or failure.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: A large amount of clinical and epidemiologic evidence has been gathered supporting the importance of blood pressure control in reducing chronic kidney disease progression. Suppression of the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system should also be considered in any patient with chronic kidney disease, in particular if albuminuria is present. RECENT FINDINGS: Analysis of renal outcome by estimating glomerular filtration rate in trials primarily devoted to cardiovascular protection in hypertensive patients, in particular the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering treatment to prevent Heart Attack Trial trial, has come to question the effectiveness of suppressing the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in controlling blood pressure and thus protecting the kidney in hypertensive patients. This subject is particularly interesting because the existence of an increased cardiovascular risk associated with renal function decline has been demonstrated in many different clinical conditions including arterial hypertension. The increase in global cardiovascular risk accompanying chronic kidney disease would necessitate the use of drugs suppressing the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system for cardiovascular protection irrespective of the influence on renal outcome. SUMMARY: This review includes the most recent data evaluating renal endpoints in clinical trials primarily devoted to renal function as well as those dedicated to arterial hypertension and its cardiovascular consequences.

Are differences in calcium antagonists relevant across all stages of nephropathy or only proteinuric nephropathy?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The main effects of classic calcium antagonists are mediated by the inhibition of L-type calcium channels broadly distributed within the renal vascular bed. Calcium antagonists act predominantly on the afferent arterioles, and dihydropyridines can favour the increase in glomerular hypertension and progression of kidney diseases, in particular when systemic blood pressure remains uncontrolled. RECENT FINDINGS: Calcium antagonists have been widely used in clinical practice because of their antihypertensive capacity. The prevention of renal damage is a very important aim of antihypertensive therapy. This is particularly so taking into account the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the general population. Non-dihydropyridines such as verapamil have been shown to possess an antiproteinuric effect that could be particularly relevant. SUMMARY: Recent data from clinical trials have confirmed that, in hypertensive patients with preserved renal function or with chronic kidney disease, calcium antagonists are effective antihypertensive drugs to be considered alone or in combination with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker. In those patients presenting with proteinuric kidney disease, non-dihydropyridines could reduce proteinuria to a greater degree than dihydropyridines.

Chronic kidney disease as a situation of high added risk in hypertensive patients.

Recent guidelines for the management of hypertension have recognized the relevance of renal function on cardiovascular prognosis of hypertensive patients. In fact, growing evidences have confirmed that as soon as renal function exhibits minor derangements, cardiovascular risk starts a continuous rise until the development of end-stage renal disease. Both estimated glomerular filtration rate and urinary albumin excretion are associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular events and death among hypertensive patients and in general population. Consequently, hypertensive patients presenting with chronic kidney disease are considered by guidelines as high-risk patients, and strict blood pressure control should be considered as a part of an integrative therapeutic approach, including correction of anemia, treatment of dyslipidemia, cessation of tobacco use, and antiplatelet therapy. This paper briefly reviews the most recent evidences about pharmacologic therapies in high-risk patients, focusing on benefits related to improvement of cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease.

Calcium channel blockers and renal protection: insights from the latest clinical trials.

Calcium channel blockers have been widely used in clinical practice because of their antihypertensive capacity. Prevention of renal damage is a very important aim of antihypertensive therapy. This is particularly so taking into account the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population. Recent data have shown that CKD is related to the absence of adequate BP control and also to the clustering of other cardiovascular risk factors seen in the metabolic syndrome. The knowledge of the capacities of the different antihypertensive drugs or their combinations to simultaneously control BP while protecting the kidney and avoiding the facilitation of metabolic alterations is warranted. Recent data from the Intervention as a Goal in Hypertension Treatment trial, Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial, and African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) allow the conclusion that in hypertensive patients with preserved renal function or with CKD, calcium channel blockers are effective antihypertensive drugs to be considered alone or in combination with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker.

Development of chronic kidney disease in essential hypertension during long-term therapy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines the relevance of the development of chronic kidney disease in long-term hypertensive patients on the cardiovascular prognosis. RECENT FINDINGS: Recently published guidelines recognize the relevance of the development of chronic kidney disease in the stratification of risk for the hypertensive patient. An adequate assessment of renal function, including an estimation of the glomerular filtration rate, is mandatory in order to ensure an adequate evaluation of the global cardiovascular risk in the hypertensive patient. The presence of subtle elevations in serum creatinine concentrations is a potent predictor of a poor cardiovascular prognosis. The clustering of associated risk factors seems to justify the elevated cardiovascular risk observed in patients with essential hypertension and mild renal function derangement. SUMMARY: Chronic kidney disease is associated with a significant increase in cardiovascular risk attributable to the simultaneous existence of other risk factors related to the metabolic syndrome. The high prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the general and hypertensive populations forces the recognition of its relevance and the need for an integrated therapeutic approach simultaneously to protect the renal and cardiovascular systems fully.