Inadequate Blood Pressure Control in Most Kidney Transplant Recipients and Patients With Coronary Artery Disease With and Without Complications

Blood pressure control according to clinical practice guidelines is associated with decreased mortality and cardiovascular events among liver transplant recipients

Data for liver transplant recipients (LTRs) regarding the benefit of care concordant with clinical practice guidelines for management of blood pressure (BP) are sparse. This paper reports on clinician adherence with BP clinical practice guideline recommendations and whether BP control is associated with mortality and cardiovascular events (CVEs) among LTRs. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of adult LTRs who survived to hospital discharge at a large tertiary care network between 2010 and 2016. The primary exposure was a BP of <140/<90 mm Hg within year 1 of LT. Among 602 LTRs (mean age 56.7 years, 64% men), 92% had hypertension and 38% had new onset hypertension. Less than 30% of LTRs achieved a BP of <140/<90 mm Hg over a mean of 43.2 months. In multivariable models, adjusted for key confounders, BP control post-LT compared with lack of control was associated with a significantly lower hazard of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 0.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39, 0.87) and of CVEs (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.43, 0.97). The association between BP control of <140/<90 mm Hg with improved survival and decreased CVEs in LTRs suggests that efforts to improve clinician adherence to BP clinical practice recommendations should be intensified.

"Smartphone Medication Adherence Saves Kidneys" for Kidney Transplantation Recipients: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Kidney transplant recipients’ poor medication adherence and poor control of comorbidities, particularly hypertension, are risk factors for graft rejection, graft loss, and death. Few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been successful in improving sustained medication adherence and blood pressure control among kidney transplantation recipients. We provide rationale for an RCT evaluating a mobile health medical self-management system for kidney transplantation recipients called Smartphone Medication Adherence Saves Kidneys (SMASK).

Objective

Our objective is to determine whether SMASK is efficacious in improving medication adherence and sustaining blood pressure control among kidney transplantation recipients with uncontrolled hypertension and poor medication adherence compared to an enhanced standard care.

Methods

This two-arm, 6-month, phase II single-site efficacy RCT will involve 80 kidney transplantation recipients. Participants will be randomly assigned to the SMASK intervention arm or control arm. SMASK includes multilevel components: automated reminders from an electronic medication tray; tailored text messages and motivational feedback, guided by the self-determination theory; and automated summary reports for providers. Evaluations will be conducted preintervention, at 3 and 6 months, and posttrial at 12 months. Specific aims are to test the hypotheses that compared to standard care, the SMASK cohort will demonstrate significantly improved changes at 3, 6, and 12 months in the primary outcome variables medication adherence (proportion with electronic monitor-derived score >0.90) and blood pressure control (proportion meeting and sustaining adherence to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes [KDIGO] guidelines for blood pressure control); the secondary outcome variables provider adherence to KDIGO guidelines, measured by timing of medication changes and changes in self-determination theory constructs; and the exploratory outcome variables estimated glomerular filtration rate, variability in calcineurin inhibitor trough levels, and proportion of patients meeting and sustaining the 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg. After the 6-month evaluation, interviews with a random sample of SMASK subjects (n=20) and health care providers (n=3-5) will assess user reactions including acceptability, usability, and aids/barriers to sustainability. Data from the RCT and interviews will be triangulated to further refine and optimize SMASK and prepare for a multisite effectiveness RCT.

Results

The SMASK project received funding from National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in June 2016, obtained institutional review board approval in April 2016, and began data collection in July 2016. As of July 2018, we completed enrollment with a total of 80 participants.

Conclusions

This study will provide data regarding the efficacy of SMASK to improve medication adherence and blood pressure control in a cohort of hypertensive kidney transplant recipients. An efficacious SMASK intervention will pave the way for a larger, multicenter, effectiveness RCT powered sufficiently to evaluate clinical events in a real-world setting and with the potential to demonstrate improved outcomes at lower cost than standard care.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/13351

Prevalence and Hypertension Treatment Schedule in Hemodialysis Patients and Renal Transplant Recipients in 2006 and 2014/2016

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is often recognized in both hemodialysis patients (HDp) and renal transplant recipients (RTRs). The aim of the study was the evaluation of hypertension prevalence and treatment schedule and the achievement of the control of blood pressure according to the Polish Society of Hypertension, European Society of Hypertension, Joint National Committee, and American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association 2017 recommendations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Observations were done in 2 distinct periods of time: the year 2006 and the years 2014/2016. In 2006, 56 HDp and 316 RTRs were studied. In 2014/2016, 85 HDp and 818 RTRs were studied. The antihypertensive treatment analysis was based on medical records from visits in RTRs and dialyses in HDp.

RESULTS

Cardiovascular diseases were diagnosed in 71.4% (2006) and 65.9% (2016) in HDp; 17.7% (2006) and 21.5% (2014) in RTRs. Diabetes was observed in 39.3% (2006) and 34.1% (2016) in HDp; 16.5% (2006) and 23.2% (2014) in RTRs. The target blood pressure control was achieved in 64.3% (2006) and 49.4% (2016) of HDp and in 61.4% (2006) and 45.7% (2014) of RTRs. Three drugs (28.6% and 33.5% in 2006; 30.6% and 29.1% in 2016/2014) or 2 antihypertensive drugs (19.6% and 26.9% in 2006; 22.4% and 27.1% in 2016/2014) were used in HDp and RTRs, respectively. The majority of HDp and RTRs were treated with ß-blockers followed by calcium channel blockers.

CONCLUSIONS

The target blood pressure control was achieved in a low percentage of HDp and RTRs. RTRs required multidrug antihypertensive therapy to control blood pressure more often than HDp.

Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes of Renin-Angiotensin System Blockade in Renal Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

There is considerable controversy over the benefits of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade in renal transplant recipients (RTRs). The aim of the study was to research the effects of RAS blockade on allograft and patient outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the effects of RAS blockade on allograft and patient outcome in 53 pairs of RTRs receiving grafts from the same donor was performed. The 106 RTRs (53 pairs), transplanted from 2002 to 2012, were included in the study when 1 patient from the pair used an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) for a minimum period of 36 months (RAS[+]) and the second one did not use it (RAS[-]).

RESULTS

There were no differences between RAS(+) and RAS(-) subjects in terms of age, body mass index, reason of end-stage renal disease, mismatches number, total ischemic time, episodes of cytomegalovirus infections, acute rejections, and immunosuppressive treatment. The mean time of observations was 66.28 months ± 24.39 months. RAS inhibitors were given in a mean dose of 23.1% (ACEI) and 27.08% (ARB) of the maximum recommended. The main reasons for the therapy were as follows: hypertension (39.62%), nephroprotection/proteinuria (39.62%), and polyglobulia (28.3%). The composite cardiorenal endpoint was reached by 6 (11.32%) and 7 (13.21%) patients in RAS(+) and RAS(-) group, respectively. There were no differences in changes of creatinine, potassium serum level, or estimated glomerular filtration rate between RAS(+) and RAS(-) patients in the early period after RAS blockade commencement.

CONCLUSION

Agents inhibiting the RAS system neither improved nor deteriorated patients and graft survival in RTRs.

Changes in Blood Pressure Levels and Antihypertensive Medication Use before and after Renal Transplantation among Patients in Nairobi, Kenya: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives. To determine the changes in blood pressure levels and antihypertensive medication use in the postrenal transplantation period compared to pretransplantation one. Methods. A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out on renal transplant recipients at the Kenyatta National Hospital, a national referral hospital in Kenya. Sociodemographic details, blood pressure levels, and antihypertensive medication use before and after renal transplantation were noted. Changes in mean blood pressure levels and mean number of antihypertensive medications after renal transplantation were determined using paired t-test. Results. 85 subjects were evaluated. Mean age was 42.4 (SD ± 12.2) years, with a male : female ratio of 1.9 : 1. Compared to the pretransplant period, significantly lower mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels after transplantation were noted (mean SBP 144.5 mmHg versus 131.8 mmHg; mean DBP 103.6 mmHg versus 83.5 mmHg in the pre- and posttransplant periods, respectively, p < 0.001). Mean number of antihypertensive medications also reduced significantly after transplantation, with an average of 3.3 (±1.6) versus 2.1 (±0.9) in the pre- and posttransplant periods, respectively (p < 0.001). Conclusion. There is a significant reduction in blood pressure levels and number of antihypertensive medications used after renal transplantation. The positive impact of renal transplantation on blood pressure control should be confirmed using prospective cohort studies of patients with end stage renal disease who then undergo renal transplantation.

Mobile Health Medication Adherence and Blood Pressure Control in Renal Transplant Recipients: A Proof-of-Concept Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Mobile phone based programs for kidney transplant recipients are promising tools for improving long-term graft outcomes and better managing comorbidities (eg, hypertension, diabetes). These tools provide an easy to use self-management framework allowing optimal medication adherence that is guided by the patients’ physiological data. This technology is also relatively inexpensive, has an intuitive interface, and provides the capability for real-time personalized feedback to help motivate patient self-efficacy. Automated summary reports of patients’ adherence and blood pressure can easily be uploaded to providers’ networks helping reduce clinical inertia by reducing regimen alteration time.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary outcomes of a prototype mobile health (mHealth) medication and blood pressure (BP) self-management system for kidney transplant patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

Methods

A smartphone enabled medication adherence and BP self-management system was developed using a patient and provider centered design. The development framework utilized self-determination theory with iterative stages that were guided and refined based on patient/provider feedback. A 3-month proof-of-concept randomized controlled trial was conducted in 20 hypertensive kidney transplant patients identified as non-adherent to their current medication regimen based on a month long screening using an electronic medication tray. Participants randomized to the mHealth intervention had the reminder functions of their electronic medication tray enabled and received a bluetooth capable BP monitor and a smartphone that received and transmitted encrypted physiological data and delivered reminders to measure BP using text messaging. Controls received standard of care and their adherence continued to be monitored with the medication tray reminders turned off. Providers received weekly summary reports of patient medication adherence and BP readings.

Results

Participation and retention rates were 41/55 (75%) and 31/34 (91%), respectively. The prototype system appears to be safe, highly acceptable, and useful to patients and providers. Compared to the standard care control group (SC), the mHealth intervention group exhibited significant improvements in medication adherence and significant reductions in clinic-measured systolic blood pressures across the monthly evaluations. Physicians made more anti-hypertensive medication adjustments in the mHealth group versus the standard care group (7 adjustments in 5 patients versus 3 adjustments in 3 patients) during the 3-month trial based on the information provided in the weekly reports.

Conclusions

These data support the acceptability and feasibility of the prototype mHealth system. Further trials with larger sample sizes and additional biomarkers (eg, whole blood medication levels) are needed to examine efficacy and effectiveness of the system for improving medication adherence and blood pressure control after kidney transplantation over longer time periods.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01859273; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01859273 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6IqfCa3A3).

Blood pressure control according to the prevalence of diabetes in renal transplant recipients

Hypertension is one of the most frequent complications of renal transplantation. About 70% to 90% of this population display either high blood pressure (BP) or require antihypertensive therapy. Diabetes mellitus is also a common finding among kidney transplant recipients. The aim of the study was to assess the BP control among kidney transplant recipients according to the prevalence of diabetes. This retrospective analysis included 172 renal transplant recipients of overall mean age 50 years and 51% males. Hypertension was present in 79% of patients. About one-third of the studied population showed abnormal blood pressures based on office measurements. The cohort was divided into two groups according to the presence of diabetes: group 1, diabetic patients (n = 14) versus group 2, nondiabetics (n = 158). Nondiabetic patients were significantly older than diabetic ones (61.5 versus 49 years; P < .05) and their time after renal transplantation was longer (98.83 versus 67.33 months, P < .05). There was no difference in regard to hypertension prevalence, mean BP value, percentage of abnormal (≥ 140/90 mm Hg) BP values or glomerular filtration rate. Diabetic patients were prescribed less steroid. The main hypotensive drug used in whole cohort and in no-diabetic patients was a beta-blocker (n = 64, 37%; n = 4, 28%), patients with diabetes used beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors at the same frequency (n = 60, 37%). The main causative factor for hypertension appeared to be the calcineurin inhibitor. More aggressive antihypertensive treatment using combined drugs, including RAS blockers, might provide adequate BP control among renal transplant subjects with high cardiovascular risk.

Control of blood pressure in liver transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Increased blood pressure (BP) is common after liver transplantation. However, there is scarce information on its control.

METHODS

In this prospective, cross-sectional, multicenter study, we determined BP according to the recommended international standards in 921 liver transplant patients during one routine outpatient visit to assess their grade of control of BP. At the time of the study, 490 patients had been previously diagnosed with arterial hypertension and were receiving antihypertensive treatment, and 431 were not previously diagnosed as hypertensive.

RESULTS

In the hypertensive group, arterial hypertension was uncontrolled (BP >140/90 mm Hg [>130/80 in diabetics]) in 158 (32%) patients and controlled in 332 (68%) patients. In a multivariate analysis, only diabetes was identified as a significant predictor of uncontrolled hypertension. Among patients not previously diagnosed as hypertensive, BP was increased in 106 (25%) and normal in 325 (75%). On multivariate analysis, the only variable independently associated with increased BP in this group was metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSION

BP is not adequately controlled in a noticeable percentage of liver transplant patients, especially in subjects with diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

Pharmacology of immunosuppressive medications in solid organ transplantation

The multitude of immunosuppressants available for solid organ transplantation allows for many combinations of immunosuppressive therapies that can be tailored to a patient’s specific lifestyle and immunosuppression needs. Newer agents currently being studied offer even more possibilities for the future to further reduce the incidence of acute rejection and prolong graft and patient survival.

Hypertension in special populations: chronic kidney disease, organ transplant recipients, pregnancy, autonomic dysfunction, racial and ethnic populations

The benefits of appropriate blood pressure (BP) control include reductions in proteinuria and possibly a slowing of the progressive loss of kidney function. Overall, medication therapy to lower BP during pregnancy should be used mainly for maternal safety because of the lack of data to support an improvement in fetal outcome. The major goal of hypertension treatment in those with baroreceptor dysfunction is to avoid the precipitous, severe BP elevations that characteristically occur during emotional stimulation. The treatment of hypertension in African Americans optimally consists of comprehensive lifestyle modifications along with pharmacologic treatments, most often with combination, not single-drug, therapy.