Utilidad del MAPA y bioimpedancia para el tratamiento y control de la HTA en pacientes en hemodiálisis crónica

IntroductionHypertension is very common in haemodialysis (HD) patients, and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates.The goals of our research were to: 1. Measure blood pressure (BP) during HD sessions; 2. Study BP in between HD sessions with 44-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM); 3. Identify differences between the BP recorded during HD and with the ABPM; 4. Evaluate changes in treatment after the ABPM; 5. Perform bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) on all patients and, in those hyper-hydrated or hypertensive according to ABPM, assess for changes in BP after adjusting the dry weight; 6. Identify factors associated with average systolic and diastolic BP measured by ABPM.Material and methodsProspective observational study, which included 100 patients from our dialysis unit. We measured BP before and after the HD sessions for two weeks and then, mid-week, we attached the ABPM device to the patients for 44 hours. Before starting the following dialysis session, we performed BIS. A second ABPM was performed on hyper-hydrated patients and patients hypertensive according to ABPM to evaluate changes in BP values.ResultsAccording to the ABPM, 65% of patients had daytime BP > 135/85 mmHg, 90% night-time BP > 120/70 mmHg and 76% average BP > 130/80 mmHg; 11% had a dipper pattern, 51% non-dipper and 38% riser. The average systolic and diastolic BP readings were 4.7 mmHg (3.8%) and 1.1 mmHg (1.64%) higher on the second day. The dose of antihypertensive medication had to be lowered in 6% of patients, 9% had to stop taking it, 28% needed increased doses and 17% had to add a new drug. The pre-HD diastolic BP best matched the ABPM. After performing the bioimpedance and adjusting dry weight, there was a statistically significant decrease in all BP values. The univariate analysis showed that the average systolic BP was higher in patients with a high-calcium dialysis bath, more antihypertensive drugs and higher doses of EPO. The multivariate analysis showed significant association for EPO and number of drugs (p < 0.01). The average diastolic BP was higher in younger patients and patients with lower Charlson index, lower body mass index and less diuresis, those on higher doses of EPO and non-diabetics. The linear regression study showed age (p < 0.005), body mass index (p < 0.03) and EPO (p < 0.03) as significant variables.ConclusionsOur study shows: 1. The variability of hypertension criteria according to use of BP values from during the HD session or ABPM; 2. The variability of BP in the interdialysis period; 3. That the pre-dialysis diastolic BP best corresponds with the ABPM. 4. That the use of both BIS and ABPM improves the control of BP; 5. That the dose of EPO is the most important factor associated with hypertension in our patients.     

Effect of Low-Dose Manidipine on Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Very Elderly Hypertensives

Summary. To evaluate the effect of manidipine 10 mg on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in very elderly hypertensive patients, 54 patients aged 76–89 years (mean age 81.8 years) with systolic blood pressure (SBP) >160 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >90 mmHg were studied. After a 4-week placebo washout period, patients were randomized to receive manidipine 10 mg or placebo, both administered once daily for 8 weeks. Patients were checked after the initial run-in placebo phase and every 4 weeks thereafter. At each visit casual BP and HR were measured. At the end of the placebo period and after 8 weeks of active treatment, noninvasive 24-hour ambulate blood pressure measurement ABPM was performed. Manidipine significantly lowered casual sitting and standing SBP (P <0.001) and DBP (P <0.001) at the trough level. ABPM showed a significant decrease in 24-hour SBP and DBP values (P < 0,001), daytime SBP and DBP (P <0.001), and night-time SBP (P <0.001) and DBP (P <0.005). In addition, ABPM confirmed a consistent antihypertensive activity throughout the 24-hour dosing interval, without effect on the circadian BP profile. The trough/peak ratio was 0.67 for SBP and 0.59 DBP. No statistically significant change in HR was observed. The treatment was well tolerated, and there were no serious side effects. In conclusion, in very elderly hypertensive patients, once-daily administration of manidipine 10 mg was well tolerated and effective in reducing casual as well ambulatory BP.     

轻中度高血压患者应用可乐定透皮控释贴片的临床研究

目的评价可乐定透皮控释贴片（C-TTS）治疗轻中度原发性高血压降压疗效和安全性。方法门诊轻中度原发性高血压患者40例,随机分为两组,第1组单用C-TTS（0.1mg／片）,第2组为C-TTs加用双氢克尿塞6.25mg。每周根据诊室血压下降情况调整贴片用量,治疗前后进行24小时动态血压监测。结果第1组在治疗后应用1～3贴C-TTS血压降至目标血压者9例（45％）,第2组应用1～3贴血压降至目标血压者12例（60％）,平均52％。两组未达标者治疗后血压与基线相比均有明显下降（P〈0.05）。两组治疗前后的各周末诊室血压无论收缩压还是舒张压均有明显下降（P〈0.01）。加用利尿剂组降压幅度较大,但两组间比较无显著性差异。两组24小时平均收缩压、舒张压,白天平均收缩压、舒张压,夜间平均收缩压、舒张压与基线比较,均有明显下降（P〈0.05）。结论C-TTS对轻中度原发性高血压患者具有很好的降压效果,治疗依从性好,与利尿剂联合应用,可以提高降压效果。     

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and management of hypertension at a cardiac clinic in Kumasi Metropolis,Ghana

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is considered a good intervention strategy to avoid misdiagnosis of hypertension and allow for targeted treatment of patients with hypertension. This study sought to assess the contribution of ABPM to blood pressure (BP) control and antihypertensive therapy at a cardiac clinic in Ghana. Medical records of 97 patients, aged 18‐85 years (mean 55), were reviewed. Among patients with clinic BP (CBP) and ambulatory BP recorded on the same day, we assessed for the different hypertension phenotypes, CBP control 6 months following ABPM, and changes to antihypertensive therapy after review of the ABPM records in patients with controlled and uncontrolled ambulatory BP. From the clinic and ambulatory BP records measured at baseline, the proportion of patients with white‐coat uncontrolled hypertension (WUCH) was 19.5% (17/87) and those with masked uncontrolled hypertension (MUCH) was 16.1% (n = 14). A significant reduction in average systolic CBP in the overall cohort (−6.2 mm Hg, P < .01) and in the uncontrolled subgroup (−8.8 mm Hg, P < .001) at follow‐up was observed. After review of the ABPM records, 51.7% of the patients on treatment had changes made in their antihypertensive therapy. Antihypertensive therapy was deintensified or left unchanged in majority of the patients with WUCH and sustained controlled hypertension. In patients with MUCH and true uncontrolled hypertension (TUCH), therapy was intensified. In conclusion, ABPM improved clinical decision‐making for antihypertensive therapy and BP control. ABPM should therefore be used more often in hypertension and cardiac clinics in low/middle‐income countries for optimal care.     

Blood Pressure-Lowering Efficacy of Amiloride versus Enalapril as Add-On Drugs in Patients with Uncontrolled Blood Pressure Receiving Hydrochlorothiazide

A large proportion of patients with hypertension need a second drug to reach satisfactory control of blood pressure (BP), but there are few well-designed controlled trials comparing the efficacy of drugs added as a second option. In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 82 patients with uncontrolled BP, receiving hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg daily, were selected to receive amiloride 2.5–5 mg/day (n?=?39) or enalapril 10–20 mg/day (n?=?43). Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was done before and after 12-weeks of treatment. Office BP was measured in the 4^th, 8^th, and 12^th weeks. The doses of amiloride and enalapril were doubled in the fourth week, and propranolol was added in the 8th week if office BP was above 140/90 mm Hg. There was a greater BP reduction in patients treated with enalapril. The ABPM δ values between the groups were 3.6?±?2.2, 3.9?±?2.2, and 1.1?±?2.7 mmHg for 24-h, daily, and nightly systolic blood pressure, respectively, favoring enalapril. For diastolic blood pressure (DBP), the deltas were 1.7?±?2.0, 3.2?±?1.5, and 1.2?±?1.9 mmHg, respectively (p?=?0.039 for daily DBP). Office SBP decreased more and sooner in patients allocated to enalapril (p?=?0.003). More patients taking amiloride required propranolol to control BP (p?=?0.035). Potassium increased 0.3 mEq/L on the average in both groups. Cough, albeit predominantly mild, was reported more frequently by participants treated with enalapril. We conclude that enalapril is more effective than amiloride to lower BP of patients on hydrochlorothiazide with uncontrolled BP.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00394394.     

Transdermal administration of clonidine for treatment of high BP

The effectiveness of transdermally administered clonidine hydrochloride was evaluated in a multicenter study in 85 patients with mild essential hypertension. The drug was incorporated into small self-adhesive delivery systems (pliable skin patches, 3.5-sq-cm area) designed to continuously deliver 0.1 mg of clonidine hydrochloride per day. These devices were changed by the patients themselves at weekly intervals. Diastolic BP fell by at least 10% in 37 patients and was normalized (less than 90 mm Hg) in 54 patients (64%); 17 of these responding patients required only one skin patch, 27 required two, and the other ten responders required three. The antihypertensive action of the transdermal clonidine was sustained for the full three months of study. Side effects were similar to those during conventional oral treatment, but appeared to be milder.     

Transdermal delivery of the alpha 2-agonist clonidine does not alter airways responses to inhaled histamine or methacholine

Previous studies have reported that the inhalation of the alpha 2-agonist clonidine decreases airways reactivity. Other studies have shown that oral doses of clonidine acutely increase airways reactivity to histamine, but not to methacholine. Recently, a transdermal clonidine delivery system (TTS) has been approved for use, and there is an increasing interest in using this system for management of postmenopausal and smoking cessation symptoms. To our knowledge, the effects of TTS on airways function in asthmatics have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine if use of TTS would alter airways reactivity. Six asymptomatic asthmatic subjects underwent a baseline methacholine challenge (M). In a double-blinded randomized crossover fashion, either a placebo or a TTS patch (TTS-1, 0.1 mg/day), was applied to the arm. Four days later, the challenge was repeated. After two to three days of washout, the alternate patch was applied, and a second challenge was performed. Several days later, a second baseline challenge was repeated. This sequence was then repeated using histamine (H). The patch was well tolerated by all subjects. There was no significant change in resting pulse or blood pressure, and for the group no change in airways reactivity to either M or H was noted. In conclusion, while use of TTS-1 does not improve airways function, its short-term use in asthmatics is not associated with an increase in airways reactivity.     

Guidance on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring: A statement from the HOPE Asia Network

Hypertension is an important public health issue due to its association with a number of serious diseases, including cardiovascular disease and stroke. The importance of evaluating hypertension taking into account different blood pressure (BP) profiles and BP variability (BPV) is increasingly being recognized, and is particularly relevant in Asian populations given the specific features of hypertension in the region (including greater salt sensitivity and a high rate of nocturnal hypertension). Ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) is the gold standard for diagnosing hypertension and assessing 24‐hour BP and provides data on several important parameters that cannot be obtained using any other form of BP measurement. In addition, ABPM parameters provide better information on cardio‐ and cerebrovascular risk than office BP. ABPM should be used in all patients with elevated BP, particularly those with unstable office or home BP, or who are suspected to have white‐coat or masked hypertension. ABPM is also an important part of hypertension diagnosis and monitoring in high‐risk patients. ABPM needs to be performed using a validated device and good practice techniques, and has a role both in hypertension diagnosis and in monitoring the response to antihypertensive therapy to ensure strict BP control throughout the 24‐hour period. Use of ABPM in clinical practice may be limited by cost and accessibility, and practical education of physicians and patients is essential. The ABPM evidence and practice points in this document are based on the Hypertension Cardiovascular Outcome Prevention and Evidence (HOPE) Asia Network expert panel consensus recommendations for ABPM in Asia.     

The influence of age on blood pressure evaluation of hypertensive subjects

The aim of this study was to determine whether age influences the concordance between different methods of blood pressure (BP) measurement and ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) in hypertensive subjects. We studied two groups: I, individuals younger than 50 years (n = 57), and II, individuals aged 60 years or older (n = 55). They were submitted to the performance of one ABPM, office BP measurements, home BP monitoring (HBPM), and BP measurements at a public health center (PHCBP). Student's t-test, Fisher's test and Lin coefficient were calculated. For Group II, systolic and diastolic pressures measured by HBPM were higher than by day ABPM (p < 0.01). The concordance between day ABPM and the other methods was lower for Group II than for Group I. There was a good concordance between systolic day ABPM and office BP, and between systolic ABPM and PHCBP only for Group I (Lin coefficient = 0.71 and 0.73). Group II reported better sleep quality after ABPM (p < 0.05). Considering 24-h ABPM, 52.6% of Group I and 29% of Group II were controlled (p < 0.01). Concluding, there was worse concordance between different methods of BP measurements and day ABPM in the older group, which had lower hypertension control rate and better tolerance of ABPM.     

Dialysis unit blood pressure two hours after hemodialysis is useful for predicting home blood pressure and ambulatory blood pressure in maintenance hemodialysis patients

This study aimed to determine which BP measurement obtained in the HD unit correlated best with home BP and ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). We retrospectively analyzed data from 40 patients that received maintenance HD who had available home BP and ABPM data. Dialysis unit BPs were the averages of pre-, 2hr- (2 h after starting HD), and post-HD BP during a 9-month study. Home BP was defined as the average of morning and evening home BPs. Dialysis unit BP and home BP were compared over the 9-month study period. ABPM was performed once for 24 h in the absence of dialysis during the final 2 weeks of the study period and was compared to the 2-week dialysis unit BP and home BP. There was a significant difference between dialysis unit systolic blood pressure (SBP) and home SBP over the 9-month period. No significant difference was observed between the 2hr-HD SBP and home SBP. When analyzing 2 weeks of dialysis unit BP and home BP, including ABPM, SBPs were significantly different (dialysis unit BP > home BP > ABPM; P = 0.009). Consistent with the 9-month study period, no significant difference was observed between 2hr-HD SBP and home SBP (P = 0.809). The difference between 2hr-HD SBP and ambulatory SBP was not significant (P = 0.113). In conclusion, the 2hr-HD SBP might be useful for predicting home BP and ABPM in HD patients.     

应用动态血压监测评价氯沙坦治疗原发性高血压的降压疗效

目的：应用动态血压监测（ＡＢＰＭ）评估氯沙坦（ｌｏｓａｒｔａｎ）５０～１００ ｍｇ,每日１次,对轻、中度原发性高血压（ＥＨ）患者的２４小时降压效果。 方法：轻、中度ＥＨ患者 ３３例,服用 ２周安慰剂,坐位舒张压仍在 ９５～１１４ ｍｍＨｇ（１ ｍｍＨｇ＝０．１３３ ｋＰａ）者予氯沙坦５０ ｍｇ／ｄ,服药 ２周末血压下降未达有效标准者氯沙坦增加至 １００ ｍｇ／ｄ,氯沙坦治疗疗程共 ６周。于服安慰剂末及治疗２、４、６周末测诊室血压,于服安慰剂末及治疗６周末应用ＡＢＰＭ。 结果;氯沙坦治疗６周,降压总有效率为８７．５％;２４小时各时点血压均较治疗前显著下降（Ｐ＜０．０５、Ｐ＜０．０１）,不伴有心率及血压昼夜节律的改变;降低收缩压和舒张压的谷／峰值分别为５２．９％和６３．６％。能明显降低血尿酸（Ｐ＜０．０５）。除１例因头晕中途退出研究外,余不良反应轻微。 结论：氯沙坦 ５０～１００ ｍｇ,每日１次能平稳、有效地控制 ＥＨ患者 ２４小时血压,且患者总体耐受良好。     

Effects of transdermal clonidine treatment on withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. A randomized, controlled trial

In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, we studied 40 cigarette smokers to determine the effects of one week of transdermal clonidine hydrochloride (Catapres-TTS No. 2) treatment on the withdrawal symptoms associated with smoking cessation. Subjects were instructed to maintain their usual cigarette intake during days 1 through 3 and cease smoking for days 4 through 6. All of the withdrawal symptoms measured (craving, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and hunger) significantly increased during the three days of smoking cessation in the placebo group. There was a 4.3-fold increase in craving, a 3.8-fold increase in irritability, a 3.7-fold increase in anxiety, and a 3.3-fold increase in restlessness in the placebo group compared with the transdermal clonidine group during the three days of smoking cessation. Impairment of concentration and hunger were not significantly diminished by transdermal clonidine treatment during smoking cessation. In addition, a trend was present in the transdermal clonidine group to spontaneously decrease the number of cigarettes smoked per day during the smoking period. Side effects were generally mild. We conclude that transdermal clonidine treatment ameliorates some of the short-term withdrawal symptoms, especially craving, associated with smoking cessation.     

Double-Blind,randomized comparative study of the antihypertensive effect of nicardipine slow-release and nifedipine slow-release in hypertensive patients with coronary heart disease

The main aim of this study was to investigate whether a new slow-release formation of nicardipine can control hypertension and whether its antihypertensive effect is manifest throughout the dose intervals. In a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study, the antihypertensive effect of two calcium antagonists (Type II) was investigated in two independent groups of hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease. One group of patients received 40 mg nicardipine slow-release b.i.d. and the other 20 mg nifedipine slow-release b.i.d. The effect of the active drugs on blood pressure (BP), heart rate, and hemodynamics was compared with placebo within each group. In addition, a group comparison was made to establish whether nicardipine had any advantage over nifedipine. Twenty-eight patients [27 female, 1 male; 55 (41-72) years old], 18 with previous myocardial infarction (MI) entered the study (nicardipine, 15 patients; nifedipine, 13 patients). A placebo period of 3 days was followed by a 13-day drug treatment period. From the first to last trial day, BP and heart rate were measured three times daily. At the end of the placebo and the active drug periods, the following measurements were carried out: ambulatory BP monitoring by half-hourly recording for 12.5 hours with the Remler system, ergometric tests with ECG, and right heart catheterization. Both drugs lowered the BP at rest, during exercise, and during usual daily activities. The antihypertensive effect of nicardipine was significant for the daytime mean arterial BP (MAP) and for systolic BP and diastolic BP at various stages of the exercise tests. The difference between the effect of nicardipine and nifedipine was not significant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Captopril Administered at Night Restores the Diurnal Blood Pessure Rhythm in Adequately Controlled,Nondipping Hypertensives

The aim of our study was to evaluate whether captopril administered at night, can shift the circadian blood pressure (BP) from a nondipper to a dipper pattern in adequately controlled hypertensive patients, who continued their antihypertensive therapy. In a prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled designed study, we enrolled 121 treated, adequately controlled nondipping hypertensive patients. All patients were randomly assigned to 12.5 mg captopril or placebo treatment administered at night. In case of nondippers, the dosage of captopril or placebo was doubled after two weeks of treatment, while for dippers antihypertensive regimens were not changed. After another two weeks, all patients underwent ambulatory BP monitoring. Our results show that at the end of the active treatment period, the prevalence of a dipping diurnal BP pattern in the captopril group (70%) was significantly higher than that in the placebo group (9.8%, P < 0.001). Nighttime BP, night/day BP ratio, nighttime BP load and 24-h systolic BP were significantly lower after 4 weeks nighttime captopril treatment compared to baseline. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates for the first time that captopril administered at night can restore the diurnal BP rhythm and decrease the elevated night/day BP ratio in appropriately controlled, nondipper hypertensive patients. These results were mainly due to the decrease of nighttime BP.     

The effect of 24 h blood pressure levels on early neurological recovery after stroke

OBJECTIVES: To assess the influence of 24 h blood pressure (BP) levels on functional recovery 1 week after stroke and the effect of antihypertensive therapy on 24 h BP levels. DESIGN: Prospective study of patients admitted to hospital over 1 year with first in a lifetime stroke who underwent 24 h BP and casual measurements. Setting. Medical wards in a teaching hospital. Subjects. Of 160 patients, 72 patients admitted to hospital within 24 h of stroke onset were investigated. Patients with conditions and therapy that interfered with autonomic and sympathetic function were excluded. Interventions. All subjects underwent 24 h BP and casual recordings on admission to hospital and at day seven after stroke. The mean 24 h, day and night systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) and their differences (nocturnal BP dip) were recorded. Patients were divided into three groups according to whether they were taking antihypertensive therapy during the first week: (i) no therapy, (ii) therapy continued after stroke, and (iii) new therapy introduced. Main outcome measures. Functional recovery (Rankin Scale 0-1) and neurological improvement [Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS) >/=3 points] by 1 week of stroke. Change in circadian 24 h BP over 1 week. RESULTS: For each 10 mmHg difference between day and night time DBP, the odds for making a complete recovery were 4.63 (95% CI: 1.57-13.7, P=0.01). For each 10 mmHg difference between day and night SBP, the odds for making an improvement in neurological status was 2.24 (95% CI: 1.16-4.32; P=0.016). Significant falls in 24 h DBP (P=0.01), daytime SBP (P=0.005) and mean arterial BP (MABP) (P=0.04) over 1 week were demonstrated in patients who had just commenced antihypertensive therapy (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: An increase in day to night time BP change is favourable in short-term outcome after acute stroke. Significant falls in BP are more likely in patients started on antihypertensive therapy for the first time. Further research is required to understand the effects of circadian BP rhythm on stroke outcome.     

Identifying and treating resistant hypertension in PRECISION: A randomized long‐term clinical trial with aprocitentan

The design and baseline data of the PRECISION study, which evaluates the effect of the dual endothelin receptor antagonist aprocitentan on blood pressure (BP) in patients with resistant hypertension (RHT) are presented. The study is a blinded, randomized, parallel‐group Phase 3 study and its three‐part design assesses the short‐term and sustained long‐term effects of aprocitentan on BP. Results are expected in 2022.Patients with uncontrolled BP (measured as unattended automated office BP) despite the use of three or more antihypertensive medications for at least 1 year were screened. They were switched to a single‐tablet triple fixed combination antihypertensive therapy for at least 4 weeks before entering a single‐blind placebo run‐in period. The 4‐week placebo run‐in period further excluded placebo responders. The randomization period consisted of three sequential parts: (1) a 4‐week double‐blind part with aprocitentan 12.5 mg, 25 mg, or placebo (1:1:1 ratio); (2) a 32‐week single‐blind part with aprocitentan 25 mg; and (3) a 12‐week randomized withdrawal part with aprocitentan 25 mg or placebo (1:1 ratio). The purpose was to demonstrate the BP lowering effect of aprocitentan in RHT (Part 1) and the persistence of this effect (Parts 2 and 3).Out of 1965 screened patients, 730 were randomized resulting in an overall inclusion failure rate of 62.8%. The most common reason for exclusion (44.4% of all screened patients) was failure to meet the BP inclusion criteria. These results underline the high proportion of pseudoresistant hypertension among patients referred for RHT.     

奥美沙坦与坎地沙坦治疗轻、中度原发性高血压的疗效及安全性比较

目的 评价奥美沙坦24 h降压尤其是降低晨峰血压的效果.方法 120例轻、中度原发性高血压患者随机双盲服用奥美沙坦20 mg或坎地沙坦8 mg,共8周.服药前、服药后8周行动态血压监测(ABPM),比较两组24 h,白昼,下一次给药前4 h、2 h ABPM达标的患者比例.结果 8周后奥美沙坦和坎地沙坦均能有效降低血压,奥美沙坦治疗的24 h血压和白天血压达标率高于坎地沙坦,分别为37%比25%和25%比15%,在动态血压监测的最后2 h、4 h,血压的达标比例奥美沙坦高于坎地沙坦,分别为30%比20%和40%比25%.结论奥美沙坦治疗的高血压患者24 h血压和晨峰血压达标率比例高.奥美沙坦不仅能较好地控制24 h血压,而且能降低与晨峰血压高有关的心血管事件.     

Melatonin reduces night blood pressure in patients with nocturnal hypertension

Purpose

Nocturnal hypertension is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. A blunted nocturnal surge in melatonin excretion has been described in nondipping hypertensive patients. We therefore studied the potency of melatonin to reduce nighttime blood pressure (BP) in treated hypertensive patients with nocturnal hypertension.

Patients and Methods

Thirty-eight treated hypertensive patients (22 males, mean age 64 ± 11 years) with confirmed nocturnal hypertension (mean nighttime systolic BP >125 mm Hg), according to repeated 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), were randomized in a double-blind fashion to receive either controlled release (CR)-melatonin 2 mg or placebo 2 hours before bedtime for 4 weeks. A 24-hour ABPM was then performed.

Results

Melatonin treatment reduced nocturnal systolic BP significantly from 136 ± 9 to 130 ± 10 mm Hg (P = .011), and diastolic BP from 72 ± 11 to 69 ± 9 mm Hg (P = .002), whereas placebo had no effect on nocturnal BP. The reduction in nocturnal systolic BP was significantly greater with melatonin than with placebo (P = .01), and was most prominent between 2:00 am and 5:00 am (P = .002).

Conclusions

Evening CR-melatonin 2 mg treatment for 4 weeks significantly reduced nocturnal systolic BP in patients with nocturnal hypertension. Thus, an addition of melatonin 2 mg at night to stable antihypertensive treatment may improve nocturnal BP control in treated patients with nocturnal hypertension.     

Assessment of the anti-hypertensive effect of diltiazem in delayed-action capsules by ambulatory monitoring of arterial pressure]

The aim of this parallel controlled-placebo study was to assess the antihypertensive effect of diltiazem in a slow release formulation in monotherapy by the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Twenty patients with moderate essential hypertension entered the trial. Whole day ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring, with a COLIN ABPM 630, was done after a wash-out period, after placebo administration and 60 days of therapy with diltiazem in a 120 or 180 mg once or twice daily administration. We verified by ABPM that placebo administration did not have an antihypertensive effect (146 +/- 10 mmHg/87 +/- 7 mmHg at base line to 145 +/- 8 mmHg/84 +/- 6 mmHg with placebo p = ns). Eithy four percent of the patients showed a significant systolic and diastolic BP decrease after 60 days of therapy (from 146 +/- 10 mmHg/87 +/- 7 mmHg at base line to 132 +/- 7/77 +/- 6 mmHg - p less than 0.025). In 56% of the patients this was achieved with 180 mg/day and this effect was sustained throughout the 24 hours. We did not find a significant decrease on heart rate. The ABPM is a valuable technique to assess the effect of antihypertensive drugs and demonstrated that diltiazem in a slow release formulation was effective in decreasing systolic and diastolic BP, throughout the day even in patients with low doses, once daily.     

Blood Pressure Measurements and Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Hemodialysis Patients

In hemodialysis (HD) patients, routine dialysis center blood pressure (BP) measurements may be a poor indicator of BP control. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) improves the predictability of BP as a risk factor for target organ damage. Carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) is an important indicator of asymptomatic atherosclerosis and a predictor of cardiovascular events. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the possible association between different BP measurements and carotid IMT in HD patients. Eighty‐five HD patients were included in our study. BP was measured with a standard mercury sphygmomanometer before and after each HD session. The average one‐monthly values of routine BP measurements were also analyzed. 24‐ and 48‐h ABPM was performed after the end of each HD session using non‐invasive ABPM. The average values of systolic and diastolic BP were analyzed separately for the first (HD) and second (interdialytic) days ABPM, and for both days together. Using B‐mode ultrasonography, carotid IMT was measured and plaque occurrence investigated. We found a statistically significant correlation between carotid IMT and the average one‐monthly pre‐HD diastolic BP (P < 0.05), diastolic BP on the HD‐day ABPM, the interdialytic‐day ABPM, and during 48‐h ABPM (P < 0.05). By multiple regression analysis, we found a statistically significant correlation only between carotid IMT and diastolic BP on the HD‐day ABPM, the interdialytic‐day ABPM, and during 48‐h ABPM (P < 0.05). Only longer BP measurements (24‐ and 48‐h ABPM) were associated with carotid IMT in HD patients.