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Yang J, McCarthy J, Shah SS, Ng E, Shen J, Libianto R, Fuller PJ. Challenges in Diagnosing and Managing the Spectrum of Primary Aldosteronism. J Endocr Soc 2024; 8:bvae109. [PMID: 38887633 PMCID: PMC11181003 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvae109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism, characterized by the dysregulated production of aldosterone from 1 or both adrenal glands, is the most common endocrine cause of hypertension. It confers a high risk of cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic complications that can be ameliorated with targeted medical therapy or surgery. Diagnosis can be achieved with a positive screening test (elevated aldosterone to renin ratio) followed by confirmatory testing (saline, captopril, fludrocortisone, or oral salt challenges) and subtyping (adrenal imaging and adrenal vein sampling). However, the diagnostic pathway may be complicated by interfering medications, intraindividual variations, and concurrent autonomous cortisol secretion. Furthermore, once diagnosed, careful follow-up is needed to ensure that treatment targets are reached and adverse effects, or even recurrence, are promptly addressed. These challenges will be illustrated in a series of case studies drawn from our endocrine hypertension clinic. We will offer guidance on strategies to facilitate an accurate and timely diagnosis of primary aldosteronism together with a discussion of treatment targets which should be achieved for optimal patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
| | - Josephine McCarthy
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Eastern Health, Box Hill Hospital, Box Hill, 3128, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sonali S Shah
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Ng
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jimmy Shen
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
| | - Renata Libianto
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter J Fuller
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, 3168, Victoria, Australia
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Charoensri S, Bashaw L, Dehmlow C, Ellies T, Wyckoff J, Turcu AF. Evaluation of a Best-Practice Advisory for Primary Aldosteronism Screening. JAMA Intern Med 2024; 184:174-182. [PMID: 38190155 PMCID: PMC10775078 DOI: 10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.7389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Importance Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a common cause of secondary hypertension and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Fewer than 2% to 4% of patients at risk are evaluated for PA. Objective To develop and evaluate an electronic health record best-practice advisory (BPA) that assists with PA screening. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective quality improvement study was conducted at academic center outpatient clinics. Data analysis was performed between February and June 2023 and included adults with hypertension and at least 1 of the following: 4 or more current antihypertensive medications; hypokalemia; age younger than 35 years; or adrenal nodule(s). Patients previously tested for PA were excluded. Exposure A noninterruptive BPA was developed to trigger for PA screening candidates seen in outpatient setting by clinicians who treat hypertension. The BPA included an order set for PA screening and a link to results interpretation guidance. Main Outcomes and Measures (1) The number of PA screening candidates identified by the BPA between October 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022; (2) the rates of PA screening; and (3) the BPA use patterns, stratified by physician specialty were assessed. Results Over 15 months, the BPA identified 14 603 unique candidates (mean [SD] age, 65.5 [16.9] years; 7300 women [49.9%]; 371 [2.5%] Asian, 2383 [16.3%] Black, and 11 225 [76.9%] White individuals) for PA screening, including 7028 (48.1%) with treatment-resistant hypertension, 6351 (43.5%) with hypokalemia, 1537 (10.5%) younger than 35 years, and 445 (3.1%) with adrenal nodule(s). In total, 2040 patients (14.0%) received orders for PA screening. Of these, 1439 patients (70.5%) completed the recommended screening within the system, and 250 (17.4%) had positive screening results. Most screening orders were placed by internists (40.0%) and family medicine physicians (28.1%). Family practitioners (80.3%) and internists (68.9%) placed most orders via the embedded order set, while specialists placed most orders (83.0%-95.4%) outside the BPA. Patients who received screening were younger and included more women and Black patients than those not screened. The likelihood of screening was higher among patients with obesity and dyslipidemia and lower in those with chronic kidney disease and established cardiovascular complications. Conclusions and Relevance The study results suggest that noninterruptive BPAs are potentially promising PA screening-assistance tools, particularly among primary care physicians. Combined with artificial intelligence algorithms that optimize the detection yield, refined BPAs may contribute to personalized hypertension care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suranut Charoensri
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Linda Bashaw
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Cheryl Dehmlow
- Health Information and Technology Systems, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Tammy Ellies
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Jennifer Wyckoff
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Adina F. Turcu
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Lamba R. Redefining primary hyperaldosteronism as "The Syndrome of Inappropriate Aldosterone Secretion (SIALDS)": A common but unrecognized cause of hypertension. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2023; 25:1045-1052. [PMID: 37877173 PMCID: PMC10710549 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
The current screening and diagnostic recommendations for detecting Primary Hyperaldosteronism (PHA) focus on diagnosing the more severe and overt instances of renin-independent aldosterone production. However, milder forms of autonomous aldosterone secretion have been demonstrated to exist below the diagnostic thresholds of current PHA guidelines, and associate with clinically relevant cardiovascular risk. PHAencompasses a spectrum of renin independent aldosterone production, progressing from a subclinical state in normotensives to a full-blown clinical syndrome representing the resistant hypertension population. The authors propose the Syndrome of Inappropriately Elevated Aldosterone Secretion (SIALDS) concept as a potential new paradigm for understanding and diagnosing PHA and expanded diagnostic approach to improve early detection even in well-controlled hypertension. The authors also delve into the impact of treatments, including mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and emerging aldosterone synthase inhibitors. Furthermore, The authors outline future research directions, proposing clinical trials to investigate the long-term identification and treatment outcomes of SIALDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Lamba
- Department for Continuing EducationKellogg CollegeUniversity of OxfordOxfordshireUK
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Cohen DL, Wachtel H, Vaidya A, Hundemer GL, Tezuka Y, Davio A, Turcu AF, Cohen JB. Primary Aldosteronism in Chronic Kidney Disease: Blood Pressure Control and Kidney and Cardiovascular Outcomes After Surgical Versus Medical Management. Hypertension 2023; 80:2187-2195. [PMID: 37593884 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.21474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism (PA) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be deferred due to limited evidence supporting safety and efficacy of treatment. Our goal was to assess clinical outcomes in patients with PA and CKD who received surgical or medical management. METHODS We conducted a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of patients with PA and CKD who underwent adrenal vein sampling from 2009-2019. We characterized clinical outcomes and evaluated differences by surgical versus medical management. Primary outcomes were systolic blood pressure and number of antihypertensive medications. Secondary outcomes were diastolic blood pressure, serum potassium, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and kidney and cardiovascular events. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, race, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and eGFR. RESULTS Of 239 participants with PA and CKD, 158 (66%) underwent adrenalectomy, and 81 (34%) were treated medically. Mean age was 57±10 years, 67% were female, mean eGFR was 45±12 mL/min per 1.73 m2, and 49% were on potassium supplementation. At 5 years, mean blood pressure decreased from 149±22/85±14 to 131±28/78±16 mm Hg and mean number of antihypertensive medications decreased from 4.0±1.5 to 2.4±1.4. Adrenalectomy, compared to medical management, was associated with similar systolic blood pressure (-0.90 mm Hg [95% CI, -6.99 to 5.07]) but fewer medications (1.7 [95% CI, -2.24 to -1.10]), and no difference in potassium levels or kidney or cardiovascular outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Patients with PA and CKD are likely to benefit from either surgical adrenalectomy or medical management. Detection and treatment of PA may help to reduce blood pressure and medication burden in patients with CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie L Cohen
- Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division (D.L.C., J.B.C.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Heather Wachtel
- Department of Surgery (H.W.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Anand Vaidya
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Center for Adrenal Disorders, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A.V.)
| | - Gregory L Hundemer
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada (G.L.H.)
| | - Yuta Tezuka
- Division of Clinical Hypertension, Endocrinology and Metabolism (Y.T.), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
- Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Vascular Medicine (Y.T.), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Angela Davio
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (A.D., A.F.T.)
| | - Adina F Turcu
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (A.D., A.F.T.)
| | - Jordana B Cohen
- Renal-Electrolyte and Hypertension Division (D.L.C., J.B.C.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics (J.B.C.), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
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