Renal denervation for uncontrolled hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis examining multiple subgroups

Abstract

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence available for renal denervation (RDN) in uncontrolled arterial hypertension. Twenty-five RCTs met the eligibility criteria for the systematic review, and 16 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. The results of the random effects meta-analysis estimated a mean difference of −8.5 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI) −13.5 to −3.6] for office SBP, −3.6 mmHg (95% CI −5.2 to −2.0) for 24 h SBP and −3.9 mmHg (95% CI −5.6 to −2.2) for ambulatory daytime SBP in favour of RDN compared with control (medication and/or sham-only) at primary follow-up. Similarly favourable results were observed across a range of prespecified subgroup analyses, including treatment-resistant hypertension. This meta-analysis suggests that the use of RDN in uncontrolled hypertension leads to consistent reductions in blood pressure. Reductions appear to be statistically consistent in the presence or absence of medications and in populations resistant to the use of three medications.