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Lai JH, Gwini SM, Chen G, Long KM, Russell G, Schlaich MP, Stowasser M, Young MJ, Fuller PJ, Mori TA, Wolley M, Reid CM, Yang J. Willingness to be tested for a secondary cause of hypertension: a survey of the Australian general community. Intern Med J 2023; 53:1826-1836. [PMID: 36321804 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary aldosteronism (PA) represents the most common and potentially curable cause of secondary hypertension. However, PA is not commonly screened for, and up to 34% of patients who screen positive do not complete the full diagnostic process. This suggests that the diagnostic process may pose a barrier to patients and may contribute to the under-diagnosis of PA. AIMS To evaluate the willingness of the Australian general public to undergo testing for secondary causes of hypertension and identify enablers or barriers to testing from the patients' perspective. METHODS An online survey containing questions on knowledge and attitudes towards hypertension, willingness to be tested and enablers/barriers towards testing was distributed to the Australian community. RESULTS Of 520 adult respondents (mean age 50.4 years, SD 27.3 years; 28.8% hypertensive; 56.0% female), the majority of non-hypertensive and hypertensive respondents (82.7% vs 70.0%; P = 0.03) were willing to undergo testing for a secondary cause of hypertension that involved blood and urine tests. Greater knowledge of hypertensive risk modification strategies and complications was predictive of willingness to be tested, whereas age, sex, education level, geographic location, socio-economic status and cardiovascular comorbidities were not. The top three barriers to testing included fear of a serious underlying condition, lack of belief in further testing and increased stress associated with further testing. CONCLUSION A high proportion of patients are willing to engage in testing for a secondary cause of hypertension. Education about the risks associated with hypertension and the testing process may overcome several barriers to testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan H Lai
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stella M Gwini
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gang Chen
- Centre for Health Economics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrina M Long
- School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Grant Russell
- Department of General Practice, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Markus P Schlaich
- Dobney Hypertension Centre, Medical School, The University of Western Australia - Royal Perth Hospital Campus, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Departments of Cardiology and Nephrology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Neurovascular Hypertension & Kidney Disease Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Stowasser
- Endocrine Hypertension Research Centre, University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Morag J Young
- Cardiovascular Endocrinology Laboratory, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter J Fuller
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Trevor A Mori
- Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Martin Wolley
- Endocrine Hypertension Research Centre, University of Queensland School of Medicine; Greenslopes and Princess Alexandra Hospitals, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Christopher M Reid
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jun Yang
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Nainani AK, Yang J, Peters S, Russell G. 'I can't understand why others don't screen more': a qualitative study exploring why Australian general practitioners screen for primary aldosteronism. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e061671. [PMID: 35697463 PMCID: PMC9196168 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-061671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We sought to understand the factors that influence a general practitioner's (GP's) experience of screening for primary aldosteronism (PA) in hypertensive patients. DESIGN A qualitative study, framed by phenomenology, using semistructured interviews that were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, entered into NVivo V.12.0 for coding and analysed for emerging themes. SETTING Melbourne, Australia. PARTICIPANTS Eligible GPs had received education on PA as part of a previous study. We recruited a purposive sample of 16 GPs (6 females, 10 males) who varied in practice location, clinical experience and the number of patients screened for PA. RESULTS Although GPs had been educated about PA, they found it challenging to explain the condition to patients and were uncertain about how to screen patients who were already taking antihypertensive medications. Most viewed the screening process to be practical, inexpensive and, by and large, acceptable to their patients. However, they found it inconvenient to alter antihypertensive medications before screening to allow for easier interpretation of the aldosterone-renin ratio. They were also less enthused about screening patients whom they thought fitted a clinical picture of essential hypertension. Knowledge of the screening process, cost and convenience of performing the aldosterone-renin ratio, conceptualisation of risk related to PA, and a desire to improve clinical care were influencing factors that modified the GPs' screening experience. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that knowledge gaps, practical limitations of the aldosterone-renin ratio, and errors in diagnostic reasoning were challenges of routine PA screening. Most of these practical barriers could be addressed by relatively simple educational and practice modifications to increase PA screening rates and optimise detection for the most common cause of secondary hypertension in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Medicine, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sanne Peters
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Grant Russell
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Lewandowski KC, Tadros-Zins M, Horzelski W, Grzesiak M, Lewinski A. Establishing Reference Ranges for Aldosterone, Renin and Aldosterone-to-Renin Ratio for Women in the Third-Trimester of Pregnancy. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2022; 130:210-216. [PMID: 35114699 DOI: 10.1055/a-1467-2161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diagnosis of primary hyperaldosteronism in pregnancy is complicated due to lack of reference ranges for aldosterone, renin and aldosterone-to-renin ratio. We have endeavoured to establish third-trimester reference ranges for the above-mentioned parameters. DESIGN & PATIENTS We performed postural tests for aldosterone and renin (chemiluminescence immunoassay Liason® DiaSorin Inc., Italy) in 70 healthy pregnant women (age 30.53±4.51 years), at 32.38±4.25 weeks of gestation and in 22 non-pregnant healthy women (age 33.08±8.72 years). RESULTS Aldosterone reference ranges were 6.51-73.97 ng/dl and 12.33-86.38 ng/dl, for supine and upright positions, respectively and that for renin were 6.25-59.36 µIU/ml and 11.12-82.55 µIU/ml, respectively. Aldosterone and renin concentrations were higher in an upright position (p=0.000459 and p=0.00011, respectively). In contrast, aldosterone-to-renin ratio was not affected by posture (i. e. 0.497-3.084 ng/dl/µIU/ml versus 0.457-3.06 ng/dl/µIU/ml, p=0.12), but was higher (p=0.00081) than in non-pregnant controls. In comparison to manufacturer-provided non-pregnant reference range, supine aldosterone concentrations increased by 556% (lower cut-off) and 313% (upper cut-off), while upright aldosterone concentrations increased by 558% (lower cut-off) and 244% (upper cut-off). The reference range for supine renin concentrations increased by 223% (lower cut-off) and 48.7% (upper cut-off), while upright renin concentrations increased by 253% (lower cut-off) and 79% (upper cut-off). CONCLUSIONS There is an upward shift in aldosterone and renin reference ranges in the third-trimester of pregnancy accompanied by an increase in an aldosterone-to-renin ratio, that is not influenced by posture. It remains to be established whether the aldosterone-to-renin ratio may be used as a screening tool for primary hyperaldosteronism in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof C Lewandowski
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital - Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
| | - Monika Tadros-Zins
- Department of Obstetrics, Perinatology and Gynaecology; Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital - Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
| | - Wojciech Horzelski
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Universisty of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Mariusz Grzesiak
- Department of Obstetrics, Perinatology and Gynaecology; Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital - Research Institute, Lodz, Poland.,Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, 2nd Chair of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Andrzej Lewinski
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital - Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
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Hundemer GL, Imsirovic H, Vaidya A, Yozamp N, Goupil R, Madore F, Agharazii M, Knoll G, Sood MM. Screening Rates for Primary Aldosteronism Among Individuals With Hypertension Plus Hypokalemia: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study. Hypertension 2022; 79:178-186. [PMID: 34657442 PMCID: PMC8664996 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.121.18118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is a common, yet highly underdiagnosed, cause of hypertension that leads to disproportionately high rates of cardiovascular disease. Hypertension plus hypokalemia is a guideline-recommended indication to screen for primary aldosteronism, yet the uptake of this recommendation at the population level remains unknown. We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study of adults ≥18 years old in Ontario, Canada, with hypertension plus hypokalemia (potassium <3.5 mEq/L) from 2009 to 2015 with follow-up through 2017. We measured the proportion of individuals who underwent primary aldosteronism screening via the aldosterone-to-renin ratio based upon hypokalemia frequency and severity along with concurrent antihypertensive medication use. We assessed clinical predictors associated with screening via Cox regression. The cohort included 26 533 adults of which only 422 (1.6%) underwent primary aldosteronism screening. When assessed by number of instances of hypokalemia over a 2-year time window, the proportion of eligible patients who were screened increased only modestly from 1.0% (158/15 983) with one instance to 4.8% (71/1494) with ≥5 instances. Among individuals with severe hypokalemia (potassium <3.0 mEq/L), only 3.9% (58/1422) were screened. Among older adults prescribed ≥4 antihypertensive medications, only 1.0% were screened. Subspecialty care with endocrinology (hazard ratio [HR], 1.52 [95% CI, 1.10-2.09]), nephrology (HR, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.07-1.91]), and cardiology (HR, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.14-1.70]) were associated with an increased likelihood of screening, whereas age (HR, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.94-0.96]) and diabetes (HR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.50-0.89]) were inversely associated with screening. In conclusion, population-level uptake of guideline recommendations for primary aldosteronism screening is exceedingly low. Increased education and awareness are critical to bridge this gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L. Hundemer
- Department of Medicine (Division of Nephrology) and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Anand Vaidya
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas Yozamp
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rémi Goupil
- Department of Medicine (Division of Nephrology), Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - François Madore
- Department of Medicine (Division of Nephrology), Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mohsen Agharazii
- Department of Medicine (Division of Nephrology), CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Greg Knoll
- Department of Medicine (Division of Nephrology) and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Manish M. Sood
- Department of Medicine (Division of Nephrology) and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Ottawa, Canada
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Saito K, Kurihara I, Itoh H, Ichijo T, Katabami T, Tsuiki M, Wada N, Yoneda T, Sone M, Oki K, Yamada T, Kobayashi H, Tamura K, Ogawa Y, Kawashima J, Inagaki N, Yamamoto K, Yamada M, Kamemura K, Fujii Y, Suzuki T, Yasoda A, Tanabe A, Naruse M. Subtype-specific trends in the clinical picture of primary aldosteronism over a 13-year period. J Hypertens 2021; 39:2325-2332. [PMID: 34224538 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000002924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Primary aldosteronism has two main clinically and biologically distinct subtypes: unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH). We aimed to evaluate the changes of each subtype's clinical characteristics over a 13-year period. METHODS This retrospective study involved time-trend analyses to identify changes in the clinical features of APA and BAH at diagnosis (2006-2018). A nationwide database from 41 Japanese referral centers was searched, which identified 2804 primary aldosteronism patients with complete baseline information and adrenal venous sampling (AVS) data. RESULTS The proportion of patients with APA decreased from 51% in 2006-2009 to 22% in 2016-2018. Among the 1634 patients with BAH, trend analyses revealed decreases in hypertension duration (median 7--3 years; P < 0.01) and hypokalemia prevalence (18--11%; P < 0.01). However, among the 952 patients with APA, there were no significant changes in hypertension duration (median 8 years) and hypokalemia prevalence (overall 70%). Furthermore, the APA group had a trend towards increased use of multiple hypertensive drugs at diagnosis (30--43%; P < 0.01). When subtypes were reclassified according to the precosyntropin stimulation AVS data, APA patients tended to be diagnosed earlier and at milder forms, consistent with the trend in overall primary aldosteronism patients. CONCLUSION During 2006-2018, we identified marked subtype-specific trends in the clinical findings at the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism. Our results suggested that the emphasis on the implementing cosyntropin stimulation during AVS might lead to under-identification of APA, especially in patients with mild or early cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Saito
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nephrology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo
- Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shizuoka General Hospital, Shizuoka
| | - Isao Kurihara
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nephrology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo
- Department of Medical Education, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa
| | - Hiroshi Itoh
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nephrology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo
| | - Takamasa Ichijo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Saiseikai Yokohamashi Tobu Hospital, Yokohama
| | - Takuyuki Katabami
- Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, St Marianna University School of Medicine Yokohama City Seibu Hospital, Yokohama
| | - Mika Tsuiki
- Clinical Research Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto
| | - Norio Wada
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Sapporo City General Hospital, Sapporo
| | - Takashi Yoneda
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa
| | - Masakatsu Sone
- Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki
| | - Kenji Oki
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima
| | - Tetsuya Yamada
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
| | - Hiroki Kobayashi
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension, and Endocrinology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo
| | - Kouichi Tamura
- Department of Medical Science and Cardiorenal Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanagawa
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka
| | - Junji Kawashima
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto
| | - Nobuya Inagaki
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Nutrition, Kyoto University, Kyoto
| | - Koichi Yamamoto
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka
| | - Masanobu Yamada
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Gunma
| | | | - Yuichi Fujii
- Department of Cardiology, JR Hiroshima Hospital, Hiroshima
| | - Tomoko Suzuki
- Department of Public Health, International University of Health and Welfare School of Medicine, Chiba
| | - Akihiro Yasoda
- Clinical Research Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto
| | - Akiyo Tanabe
- Division of Endocrinology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo
| | - Mitsuhide Naruse
- Clinical Research Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto
- Endocrine Center, Ijinkai Takeda General Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
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Kline G. Primary aldosteronism is everywhere but does anyone see it? Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2021; 95:410-411. [PMID: 33682143 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Kline
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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7
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Primary aldosteronism is a public health issue: challenges and opportunities. J Hum Hypertens 2020; 34:478-486. [PMID: 32341439 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-020-0336-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A significant proportion of hypertension (potentially more than 5% in the general population) is due to primary aldosteronism (PA) which carries a worse prognosis when compared with blood pressure-matched essential hypertension. Effective targeted treatments are available which mitigate many of the cardiovascular complications of untreated PA. Despite this, the detection rate of PA in primary care is sub-optimal. In this review, we explore the challenges contributing to the under-diagnosis of PA in the community, including uncertainties regarding its actual prevalence. In order to detect PA early and offer targeted treatment before adverse cardiovascular consequences develop, routine screening for PA at the time of a diagnosis of hypertension would seem desirable. However, this is limited by a lack of studies to establish whether routine screening in primary care is cost-effective. Newer techniques are also being developed which could lessen the complexity of diagnosing PA. Most importantly, a dramatic increase in awareness of PA, as a treatable cause of hypertension, is needed amongst clinicians who manage hypertension.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to present up to date information concerning the diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism (PA). PA is the most common cause of endocrine hypertension. It has been reported up to 24% of selective referred hypertensive patients. METHODS We did a search in Pub-Med and Google Scholar using the terms: PA, hyperaldosteronism, idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia, diagnosis of PA, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, adrenalectomy, and surgery. We also did cross-referencing search with the above terms. We had divided our study into five sections: Introduction, Diagnosis, Genetics, Treatment, and Conclusions. We present our results in a question and answer fashion in order to make reading more interesting. RESULTS PA should be searched in all high-risk populations. The gold standard for diagnosis PA is the plasma aldosterone/plasma renin ratio (ARR). If this test is positive, then we proceed with one of the four confirmatory tests. If positive, then we proceed with a localizing technique like adrenal vein sampling (AVS) and CT scan. If the lesion is unilateral, after proper preoperative preparation, we proceed, in adrenalectomy. If the lesion is bilateral or the patient refuses or is not fit for surgery, we treat them with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, usually spironolactone. CONCLUSIONS Primary aldosteronism is the most common and a treatable case of secondary hypertension. Only patients with unilateral adrenal diseases are eligible for surgery, while patients with bilateral and non-surgically correctable PA are usually treated by mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). Thus, the distinction between unilateral and bilateral aldosterone hypersecretion is crucial.
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Leung AA, Orton DJ, Chin A, Sadrzadeh H, Kline GA. Novel Approach to Establishing an Aldosterone: Renin Ratio Cutoff for Primary Aldosteronism. Hypertension 2017; 69:450-456. [DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.116.08407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Direct renin concentration is replacing plasma renin activity in many laboratories for the investigation of primary aldosteronism, which may have a significant impact on the resulting aldosterone:renin ratios. We sought to develop a population-based approach to establishing an aldosterone:renin ratio cutoff when transitioning between assays. A population-based study was performed in Calgary, Alberta, Canada of 4301 individuals who received testing from January 2012 to November 2015. In 2014, direct renin concentration replaced plasma renin activity in routine testing. We described the prevalence of primary aldosteronism in our population before the change and, using the assumption of disease prevalence stability, determined the corresponding ratio cutoffs after the introduction of the new assay. During the initial portion of the study (using plasma renin activity), 4.9% of those screened were classified as highly probable cases, whereas 10.4% were considered probable and 28.9% possible using locally validated cutoffs. Aldosterone:renin ratio cutoffs were then determined for the direct renin concentration assay. A highly probable case of primary aldosteronism corresponded to a cutoff of >100 pmol L
−1
mIU
−1
L
−1
with hypokalemia. A probable case corresponded to a cutoff of >100 and a possible case to >35 pmol L
−1
mIU
−1
L
−1
. In contrast, cutoffs derived using a conversion factor resulted in significantly higher cutoffs and the potential for missed cases. In conclusion, using large population data, historically consistent aldosterone:renin ratio cutoffs can be established when transitioning between assays. Population-derived cutoffs may be more appropriate for clinical use and less likely to result in false-negative classification than those obtained from conventional direct method comparisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A. Leung
- From the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine (A.A.L., G.A.K.) and Calgary Laboratory Services, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Section of Clinical Biochemistry (D.J.O., A.C., H.S.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dennis J. Orton
- From the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine (A.A.L., G.A.K.) and Calgary Laboratory Services, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Section of Clinical Biochemistry (D.J.O., A.C., H.S.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alex Chin
- From the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine (A.A.L., G.A.K.) and Calgary Laboratory Services, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Section of Clinical Biochemistry (D.J.O., A.C., H.S.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hossein Sadrzadeh
- From the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine (A.A.L., G.A.K.) and Calgary Laboratory Services, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Section of Clinical Biochemistry (D.J.O., A.C., H.S.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gregory A. Kline
- From the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine (A.A.L., G.A.K.) and Calgary Laboratory Services, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Section of Clinical Biochemistry (D.J.O., A.C., H.S.), University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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10
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Brown MJ. Primary Aldosteronism: the spectre of cure. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2015; 82:785-8. [PMID: 25891888 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Morris J Brown
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
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