Denervação de artéria renal em paciente com hipertensão arterial refratária / Renal denervation in patient with refrataryarterial hypertension

Caso clínico de uma paciente com quadro de hipertensão arterial refratária, sendo inicialmente atribuída como etiologia a displasia de artéria renal. Os níveis pressóricos mantiveram elevados após a angioplastia de artéria renal, mantendo descontrole pressórico apesar do uso de 10 classes de anti-hipertensivos. Foi indicada a denervação de artéria renal e após tal, foi possível redução das medicações e êxito no controle de seus níveis tensionais. Destaca-se a importância do adequado diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial refratária, a exclusão de hipertensão secundária, somado à otimização terapêutica e indicação de procedimentos quando necessário, tendo como objetivo o melhor controle pressórico e consequente redução de lesões de órgãos-alvo e eventos cardiovasculares graves (AU).

It will be explained the patient clinical case of with refractory hypertension, which was initially attributed to renal artery dysplasia, but after the renal artery angioplasty, remained with high blood pressure levels despite adequate anti-hypertensive drugs administration. Renal denervation was indicated and after medications was reduced, with adequate blood pressure level control. It emphasizes the importance of secondary hypertension diagnosis, therapeutic optimization and specific therapies, if necessary, with the aim to take blood pressure control and the consequent reduction of target-organ damage and severe vascular events (AU).

Coarctação de aorta abdominal justarrenal associada à hipertensão renovascular e claudicação incapacitante: tratamento utilizando ponte ilíaco-birrenal e técnica "paving and cracking" / Coarctation of the abdominal aorta associated with renovascular hypertension and incapacitating claudication: repair with iliac-birenal bypass and paving and cracking technique

Resumo Coarctação da aorta abdominal é uma causa rara de claudicação de membros inferiores e hipertensão refratária. O tratamento é complexo e exige conhecimento de diversas técnicas de reconstrução vascular. Apresentamos um caso de coarctação ao nível das artérias renais, seu tratamento e revisão da literatura. Paciente feminina, 65 anos, com hipertensão refratária desde os 35 anos, utilizando cinco medicações anti-hipertensivas em dose máxima. Pressão arterial média de 260/180mmHg e claudicação incapacitante (menos de 20 metros) bilateral. Angiotomografia computadorizada demonstrou coarctação de aorta justarrenal de 4 mm de maior diâmetro, calcificação circunferencial no local da estenose e tortuosidade da aorta infrarrenal. Foi submetida a tratamento híbrido, com ponte ilíaco-birrenal e implante de stent Advanta V12 no local da estenose. A paciente evoluiu satisfatoriamente e, 60 dias depois da cirurgia, apresentava-se com uma pressão arterial de 140/80mmHg, em uso de apenas duas medicações anti-hipertensivas e sem claudicação.

Abstract Coarctation of the abdominal aorta is a rare etiology of intermittent claudication and refractory hypertension. Treatment is complex and requires knowledge of several vascular reconstruction techniques. We report a case of aortic coarctation at the level of the renal arteries, describing its treatment and presenting a literature review. Female patient, 65 years old, with refractory hypertension since the age of 35, using five antihypertensive medications at maximum doses. Blood pressure was 260/180mmHg and she had disabling claudication (less than 20 meters). Computed tomography angiography showed a 4mm coarctation in the juxtarenal aorta, with circumferential calcification at the stenosis site, and tortuous infrarenal aorta. Hybrid repair was performed with an iliac-birenal bypass and implantation of an Advanta V12 stent at the stenosis site. The patient's postoperative course was satisfactory, she was free from claudication, and her blood pressure 60 days after surgery was 140/80mmHg, taking two antihypertensive medications.

Resistant and refractory hypertension: two sides of the same disease? / Hipertensão resistente e refratária: duas faces de uma mesma doença?

Abstract Refractory hypertension (RfH) is an extreme phenotype of resistant hypertension (RH), being considered an uncontrolled blood pressure besides the use of 5 or more antihypertensive medications, including a long-acting thiazide diuretic and a mineralocorticoid antagonist. RH is common, with 10-20% of the general hypertensives, and its associated with renin angiotensin aldosterone system hyperactivity and excess fluid retention. RfH comprises 5-8% of the RH and seems to be influenced by increased sympathetic activity. RH patients are older and more obese than general hypertensives. It is strongly associated with diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and hyperaldosteronism status. RfH is more frequent in women, younger patients and Afro-americans compared to RFs. Both are associated with increased albuminuria, left ventricular hypertrophy, chronic kidney diseases, stroke, and cardiovascular diseases. The magnitude of the white-coat effect seems to be higher among RH patients. Intensification of diuretic therapy is indicated in RH, while in RfH, therapy failure imposes new treatment alternatives such as the use of sympatholytic therapies. In conclusion, both RH and RfH constitute challenges in clinical practice and should be addressed as distinct clinical entities by trained professionals who are capable to identify comorbidities and provide specific, diversified, and individualized treatment.

Resumo A Hipertensão Arterial Refratária (HARf) representa um fenótipo extremo da hipertensão arterial resistente (HAR), sendo considerada a falência ao tratamento apesar do uso de 5 ou mais classes de anti-hipertensivos, incluindo um diurético tiazídico de longa ação e um antagonista mineralocorticoide. A HAR é comum (10-20%) entre os hipertensos em geral, sendo decorrente de hiperatividade do Sistema Renina Angiotensina Aldosterona e retenção hidrossalina. Aqueles com HARf correspondem a 5-8% dos resistentes e parecem sofrer maior influência catecolaminérgica. Os resistentes tendem a ter maior idade, ao sobrepeso e à obesidade. Comorbidades incluem diabetes, apneia obstrutiva do sono e status de hiperaldosteronismo. Refratários são afro-americanos em maior proporção, mais jovens e, predominantemente, mulheres. Ambos são fortemente associados à elevada albuminúria, HVE, doenças cardio e cerebrovasculares, além da doença renal crônica. O fenômeno do jaleco branco parece ser mais evidente nos resistentes. Quanto ao tratamento, a intensificação da terapia diurética está indicada nos resistentes, enquanto na HARf, a falência à terapia impôs novas alternativas de tratamento ("simpaticolíticas"). Em conclusão, tanto a HAR quanto a HARf constituem-se desafios na prática clínica e devem ser abordadas como entidades clínicas distintas por profissionais especialistas que identifiquem comorbidades e venham a prover um tratamento específico, diversificado e individualizado.

Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease as a Cause of Allograft Kidney Dysfunction and Refractory Hypertension / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

Aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD), especially proximal to the transplant artery, in kidney transplant patient activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system by limiting graft renal perfusion and causes symptoms that can occur with transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) such as refractory hypertension, water retention, and graft renal dysfunction. Immediate clinical suspicion is difficult due to the nature of the progressive disease unlike TRAS. Herein, we present an interesting case of bilateral common iliac artery occlusion (AIOD, TASC II, type C) that manifested as uncontrolled blood pressure and decreased allograft function in a patient who had kidney transplant 17 years ago. The patient was successfully diagnosed with duplex scan, ankle-brachial index (ABI) and computed tomography angiography and treated with percutaneous luminal angioplasty and stent graft insertion.

MCP-1 Levels are Associated with Cardiac Remodeling but not with Resistant Hypertension / Níveis de MCP-1 estão Associados com Remodelamento Cardíaco mas não com Hipertensão Resistente

Abstract Background: Hypertension is a chronic, low-grade inflammation process associated with the release of cytokines and development of target organ damage. Deregulated monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels have been associated with high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications; however, the mechanisms involved are complex and not fully understood. Objective: This study aimed to compare the levels of MCP-1 in patients with resistant (RH) versus mild-to-moderate (HTN) hypertension and their association with the presence or absence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in all hypertensive subjects. Methods: We enrolled 256 hypertensive subjects: 120 RH and 136 HTN, investigating the relationship between circulating MCP-1 levels and blood pressure, biochemical data, hematologic profile, and cardiac damage within the RH and HTN groups. Plasma MCP-1 levels were measured by ELISA and LVH was assessed by echocardiography. Results: We found no difference in MCP-1 levels between RH and HTN subjects. On the other hand, we encountered lower MCP-1 levels in patients with LVH (105 pg/mL [100 - 260 pg/mL] versus 136 pg/mL (100 - 200 pg/mL), p = 0.005, respectively] compared with those without LVH. A logistic regression model adjusted for body mass index (BMI), age, race, aldosterone levels, and presence of diabetes and RH demonstrated that median levels of MCP-1 (2.55 pg/mL [1.22 - 5.2 pg/mL], p = 0.01) were independently associated with LVH in the entire hypertensive population. Conclusion: Since MCP-1 levels were similar in both RH and HTN subjects and decreased in hypertensive patients with existing LVH, our study suggests a possible downregulation in MCP-1 levels in hypertensive individuals with LVH, regardless of hypertension strata.

Resumo Fundamentos: A hipertensão arterial é um processo crônico de baixo grau inflamatório, associado com liberação de citocinas e desenvolvimento de lesão em órgãos-alvo. A desregulação dos níveis de proteína quimiotática de monócitos-1 (MCP-1) tem sido associada com elevação da pressão arterial e complicações cardiovasculares; porém, os mecanismos envolvidos são complexos e ainda não foram inteiramente elucidados. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os níveis de MCP-1 em pacientes com hipertensão resistente (HR) versus pacientes com hipertensão de grau leve a moderado (HAS) e sua associação com a presença ou ausência de hipertrofia ventricular esquerda (HVE) em todos os indivíduos hipertensos. Métodos: Foram incluídos 256 indivíduos hipertensos: 120 com HR e 136 com HAS. Foi investigada a relação entre os níveis circulantes de MCP-1 e pressão arterial, dados bioquímicos, perfil hematológico e dano cardíaco nos grupos HR e HAS. Os níveis plasmáticos de MCP-1 foram medidos por ELISA e a HVE foi avaliada por ecocardiografia. Resultados: Não encontramos diferença nos níveis de MCP-1 entre indivíduos com HR e HAS. Por outro lado, encontramos níveis mais baixos de MCP-1 em pacientes com HVE (105 pg/mL [100 - 260 pg/mL] versus 136 pg/mL [100 - 200 pg/mL], respectivamente, p = 0,005] em comparação a pacientes sem HVE. Um modelo de regressão logística ajustado para o índice de massa corporal (IMC), idade, raça, níveis de aldosterona e presença de diabetes e HR mostrou que os níveis medianos de MCP-1 (2,55 pg/mL [1,22 - 5,2 pg/mL], p = 0,01) estiveram independentemente associados com HVE em toda a população de hipertensos. Conclusão: Como os níveis de MCP-1 foram semelhantes em indivíduos tanto com HR quanto HAS e estiveram diminuídos em pacientes hipertensos com HVE, nosso estudo sugere uma possível redução nos níveis de MCP-1 em indivíduos hipertensos com HVE, independe do grau da hipertensão.

Long-term Follow-up Study on Valsartan and Amlodipine Tablets(Ⅰ)on Blood Pressure Control and Re-nal Protection of Patients with Refractory Hypertension / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE:To study the effect of long-term follow-up of Valsartan and amlodipine tablets(Ⅰ)on blood pressure control and renal protection of patients with refractory hypertension. METHODS:120 patients with refractory hypertension were di-vided into control group and observation group according to the patients’wishes,with 60 cases in each group. All patients accepted the triple therapy of amlodipine+valsartan+hydrochlorothiazide and life-style intervention;at the time of discharge from hospital, the blood pressure was well controlled. After discharge from hospital,control group was given amlodipine;observation group was given Valsartan and amlodipine tablet (Ⅰ) orally,1 tablet each time,qd,and dose increasing according to blood pressure,with maximal dose no more than 2 tablets. With 18 months of follow-up,blood pressure and renal function indexes of 2 groups were ob-served at different time points,and blood pressure control rate and the rate of renal function injury were also observed at the last follow-up;the occurrence of ADR was observed. RESULTS:2 cases and 3 cases were follow-up loss in observation group and con-trol group,respectively. With 12 and 18 months of follow-up,24 h systolic pressure,24 h diastolic pressure and 24 h urine protein of 2 groups increased significantly while creatinine clearance rate decreased significantly compared with before discharge;but the in-dexes of observation group was better than that of control group,with statistical significance(P0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Valsartan amlodipine tablet(Ⅰ)has obvi-ous advantages in long-term follow-up of blood pressure control of patients with refractory hypertension. It can significantly reduce the incidence of renal function injury with good safety.

Refractory and Resistant Hypertension: Antihypertensive Treatment Failure versus Treatment Resistance

Resistant hypertension has for many decades been defined as difficult-to-treat hypertension in order to identify patients who may benefit from special diagnostic and/or therapeutic considerations. Recently, the term "refractory hypertension" has been proposed as a novel phenotype of antihypertensive failure, that is, patients whose blood pressure cannot be controlled with maximal treatment. Early studies of this phenotype indicate that it is uncommon, affecting less than 5% of patients with resistant hypertension. Risk factors for refractory hypertension include obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and especially, being of African origin. Patients with refractory are at high cardiovascular risk based on increased rates of known heart disease, prior stroke, and prior episodes of congestive heart failure. Mechanisms of refractory hypertension need exploration, but early studies suggest a possible role of heightened sympathetic tone as evidenced by increased office and ambulatory heart rates and higher urinary excretion of norepinephrine compared to patients with controlled resistant hypertension. Important negative findings argue against refractory hypertension being fluid dependent as is typical of resistant hypertension, including aldosterone levels, dietary sodium intake, and brain natriuretic peptide levels being similar or even less than patients with resistant hypertension and the failure to control blood pressure with use of intensive diuretic therapy, including both a long-acting thiazide diuretic and a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist. Further studies, especially longitudinal assessments, are needed to better characterize this extreme phenotype in terms of risk factors and outcomes and hopefully to identify effective treatment strategies.

Denervación renal percutánea mediante el uso de catéter con balón en pacientes con hipertensión arterial resistente / Percutaneous renal denervation using balloon catheter in patients with resistant hypertension

La hipertensión arterial afecta a más de 1.200 millones de personas en el mundo y constituye uno de los factores de riesgo más importantes en la incidencia del infarto agudo de miocardio y el accidente cerebrovascular. Solo el 35% de los pacientes hipertensos se encuentran con valores de la presión arterial (PA) controlados con el uso de medicamentos antihipertensivos. Surge una alternativa, la denervación renal como técnica invasiva, la cual ha demostrado disminuir significativamente los valores de la PA en pacientes con hipertensión arterial resistente, y aunque ha sido debatida y controvertida luego de la publicación del estudio SYMPLICITY HTN-3, en el que no se apreció reducción significativa de las cifras de la presión arterial utilizando el Monitoreo Ambulatorio de Presión Arterial (MAPA), como herramienta de evaluación, surgen muchos interrogantes por resolver sobre esta nueva técnica y su aplicación en el campo clínico. El objetivo del presente reporte es describir detalladamente dos casos de hipertensión arterial resistente, tratados mediante ablación con radiofrecuencia con el nuevo dispositivo Vessix® de la compañía Boston Scientific.

Hypertension affects more than 1,200 people in the world, and constitutes one of the most important risk factors for the incidence of acute myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident. Only 35% of hypertensive patients show controlled blood pressure (BP) values with the use of hypertensive drugs. Al alternative becomes available: renal denervation as an invasive technique. It has shown to significantly reduce the BP levels in patients with resistant hypertension, and though it was discussed and controversial after the publication of the SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial, where no significant reduction of BP values using the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was noted, many questions have yet to be answered regarding this new technique and its application in the clinical field. The motivation for this report is to accurately describe two cases of resistant hypertension treated with radiofrequency ablation with the new Vessix® device from the company Boston Scientific.

Clinical research progress in percutaneous catheter ablation of renal sympathetic nerve / 介入放射学杂志

Transcatheter renal sympathetic denervation with radiofrequency ablation has become a new treatment for refractory hypertension.Recent studies have showed that renal sympathetic denervation can also treat the diseases that are related to increased sympathetic nerve activity, such as metabolic diseases, cardiac disfunction, arrhythmia, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, renal failure, etc. This paper aims to make a general review on the recent clinical research progress about renal sympathetic denervation with radiofrequency ablation.

Vinte anos de hipertensão arterial refratária sem diagnóstico: relato de caso / Twenty years of refractory hypertension without diagnosis: case report

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A grande maioria dos pacientes portadores de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) apresenta a forma primária. O diagnóstico de hipertensão arterial (HA) secundário sempre deve ser considerado, correspondendo à prevalência de até 5% dos pacientes hipertensos.O objetivo deste estudo foi ressaltar a importância do reconhecimento clínico precoce da HA secundária, através de anamnese, observação clínica e exame físico minudentes, no exame médico habitual.RELATO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 49 anos, portadora de HA refratária a todos os tratamentos farmacológicos instituídos, com diagnóstico tardio de HA secundária. Como sintomas, apresentava cefaleia e precordialgia associada aos esforços. Foi tratada por quase toda vida como HA primária.CONCLUSÃO: Diagnosticar uma causa específica de HA secundária, embora pouco frequente, apenas com um exame físico e anamnese adequados, pode ser necessário para realizar um tratamento definitivo, resolvendo a hipertensão de difícil controle.Ressalta-se também a importância de uma propedêutica qualificada no pré-operatório para evitar complicações cirúrgicas, pós-cirúrgicas e causas secundárias que necessitem correções.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although the vast majority of patients with secondary systemic blood pressure (SBP) have the primary form, the diagnosis of secondary hypertension should always be evaluated, corresponding to 5% of hypertensive patients. The aim of this study is to highlight the importance of early clinical recognition of secondary hypertension by accurate history, physical examination and clinical observations in theu sual medical examination.CASE REPORT: Female, 49 year-old patient, with hypertension refractory to all drug treatments, with late diagnosis of secondary hypertension. The symptoms were headache and exercise-related chest pain. She has been treated for primary hypertension almost all her life long.CONCLUSION: Making the diagnosis of a specific cause of secondary hypertension, only with physical examination and history, although uncommon, may be necessary in order to givea definitive treatment, solving difficult-to-control hypertension.We also emphasize the importance of a qualified preoperative workup to prevent surgical, post-surgical complications and secondary causes that require corrections.

Reporte de un caso de coexistencia de feocromocitoma y adenoma cortical adrenal en un paciente con hipertensión severa / Report of a case of coexistence of pheochromocytoma and adrenal cortical adenoma in a patient with severe hypertension

Se reporta el caso de una paciente con hipertensión paroxística asociada a síntomas adrenérgicos, en quien se encontraron niveles elevados de metanefrinas totales en orina de 24 horas, hipopotasemia persistente y nódulo en la glándula suprarrenal. Fue llevada a cirugía en la que se identificaron dos masas suprarrenales, una con características histológicas de feocromocitoma y otra de adenoma suprarrenal.

We report the case of a female patient with paroxysmal hypertension associated with adrenergic symptoms. Elevated levels of total metanephrines in 24 hour urine were found, as well as persistent hypokalemia and a nodule in the adrenal gland. She was taken to surgery, and two adrenal masses were identified, one with histological characteristics of pheochromocytoma and another one of adrenal adenoma.

Clinical study of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration on the hemodialysis patients with refractory hypertension / 中国综合临床

Objective To study the short-term clinical efficacy and its possible mechanism of refractory hypertension(RH) treated by continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods Thirty-four MHD patients with RH treated with CVVH enrolled in the treatment group,all these patients were treatment of 2 -3 times,each time 8 - 10 hours. Thirty MHD patients with wellcontroled blood pressure were recruited as control. Changes of blood pressure, dry weight, plasma levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), renin ( RA), angiotensin Ⅰ , Ⅱ ( AT Ⅰ , AT Ⅱ ), aldosterone ( Ald ) were observed before and after hemodialysis. Results In the treatment group,compared with pre-treatment, the blood pressure decreased significantly with an effective rate of 64.7% and efficient rate of 100. 0%. Before treatment, plasma RA was ([1.10 ±0.25] μg/(L · h)and [0:78 ±0.26] μg/(L · h),AT Ⅰ was [0.89 ±0.21] μg/L and [ 0. 52 ± 0. 14 ] μg/L, AT Ⅱ was [ 177.68 ± 89.46 ] ng/L and [ 89. 25 ± 12. 84 ] ng/L, Ald was [72. 06 ± 11.47 ]ng/L and [ 48.92 ± 8. 65 ] ng/L, PTH was [ 306. 81 ± 69. 37 ] ng/L and [ 248.76 ± 134. 62 ] ng/L in the treatment and control group respectively. All the measurements in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P ＜ 0. 05 ). In the treatment group, compared to pre-treatment, plasma RA significantly decreased ( [ 1.10 ± 0. 25 ]μg/ ( L · h) vs [ 0. 76 ± 0. 17 ] μg/( L · h ), as well as AT Ⅰ ( [ 0. 89 ±0.21]μg/L vs [0.50 ±0.12] μg/L),ATⅡ([177.68±89.46]ng/L vs [ 87.13±14.22] ng/L),Ald ([72.06±11.47]ng/Lvs [ 46. 01± 9. 86 ] ng/L ) and PTH ( [ 306. 81 ±69.37]ng/L vs [ 186.53 ±32.93 ] ng/L) ( P ＜ 0. 05 ). However, there was no significant changes in the above mentioned measurements between before and after hemodialysis in the control group (P ＞ 0. 05). Conclusion CVVH may be an effective methods in the treatment of MHD patients with RH, and its antihypertensive mechanisms may be that CVVH can effectively remove the excess water in the body, and reduce plasma RA, AT Ⅰ , AT Ⅱ ,Ald and PTH levels.

Acute and chronic electrical activation of baroreceptor afferents in awake and anesthetized subjects

Electrical stimulation of baroreceptor afferents was used in the 1960's in several species, including human beings, for the treatment of refractory hypertension. This approach bypasses the site of baroreceptor mechanosensory transduction. Chronic electrical stimulation of arterial baroreceptors, particularly of the carotid sinus nerve (Hering's nerve), was proposed as an ultimate effort to treat refractory hypertension and angina pectoris due to the limited nature of pharmacological therapy available at that time. Nevertheless, this approach was abandoned in the early 1970's due to technical limitations of implantable devices and to the development of better-tolerated antihypertensive medications. More recently, our laboratory developed the technique of electrical stimulation of the aortic depressor nerve in conscious rats, enabling access to hemodynamic responses without the undesirable effect of anesthesia. In addition, electrical stimulation of the aortic depressor nerve allows assessment of the hemodynamic responses and the sympathovagal balance of the heart in hypertensive rats, which exhibit a well-known decrease in baroreflex sensitivity, usually attributed to baroreceptor ending dysfunction. Recently, there has been renewed interest in using electrical stimulation of the carotid sinus, but not the carotid sinus nerve, to lower blood pressure in conscious hypertensive dogs as well as in hypertensive patients. Notably, previous undesirable technical outcomes associated with electrical stimulation of the carotid sinus nerve observed in the 1960's and 1970's have been overcome. Furthermore, promising data have been recently reported from clinical trials that evaluated the efficacy of carotid sinus stimulation in hypertensive patients with drug resistant hypertension.

Resistant hypertension: Causes and management / 대한내과학회지

Resistant hypertension is defined as when the blood pressure cannot be reduced to below 140/90 mmHg in patients who are adhering to an adequate and appropriate triple drug regimen that includes a diuretic, in near full doses. Before changing or increasing the antihypertensive medication, several factors should be checked. A careful evaluation of the patient's adherence to therapy and adequate measurement of blood pressure are needed to exclude pseudoresistance secondary to poor medical adherence or white coat hypertension. Patients should be asked regularly about medications or substances that could interfere with blood pressure control. Successful treatment requires the identification of causes and a reversal of life style factors contributing to treatment resistance. Diabetes, chronic kidney disease, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, high salt intake, obesity, and alcohol abuse are frequent causes of uncontrolled hypertension in Korea. The diagnosis and appropriate treatment of secondary hypertension is also needed. When multiple medications are used, vasodilators are the most commonly used antihypertensive drugs that cause subsequent fluid retention or sympathetic tone elevation. Adequate, effective, and sufficient diuresis and catecholamine suppression are needed for patients who do not respond to several vasodilators.

Renal Hemodynamics in Patients with End Stage Renal Disease / 中华高血压杂志

Objective To investigate the relationship between refractory hypertension and renal hemodynamics in end stage renal diseases (ESRD) patients.Methods ESRD patients were classified into:patients with refractory hypertension (group A) and patients with normal blood pressure(group B).Renal hemodynamic indices were ex- amined by duplex ultrasonography.Fasting serum lipid (TC,TG,HDL-C,LDL-C,Lp(a),ox-LDL) and serum parathyroid hormane (PTH) were determined in all patients.Results Significant differences were found in renal hemodynamic indices such as peak systolic velocity (PSV),mean flow velocity (MV),pulsatility index (PI),renal- aortic ratio (RAR) and in clinical index such as Lp(a) and ox-LDL between the two group.Refractory hyperten- sion patients had lower renal hemodynamic indices and higher Lp(a) and ox-LDL levels than in patients with con- trolled BP.Logistic regression analysis revealed that refractory hypertension was related with PSV,EDV,Pl and RAR,but not relevant with sex,age,dialysis time,hematocrit,BUN,creatinine,TC,TG,HDL-C,LDL-C, PTH,MV and RI.Conclusion Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis and severe disorder in renal hemodynamics is likely the cause for refractory hypertention in ESRD patients.The rise of serum Lp(a) and ox-LDL might acceler- ate renal artery atherosclerosis.