Renal denervation in hypertension: An updated meta-analysis of the randomized controlled trials

Radiofrequency or ultrasound renal denervation (RDN) has shown conflicting results when used as an adjunctive option for hypertension management in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

We searched Pubmed, MEDLINE, and other online databases for RCTs comparing RDN versus sham-control procedures in patients with uncontrolled or resistant hypertension. The endpoints of interest were 24-h ambulatory (AMB) blood pressure (BP), daytime AMB BP, and office BP. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis using the inverse variance method to estimate mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Nine studies with 1643 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean follow-up was 5 months. As compared with the sham-controlled group, RDN was associated with a significant decrease in 24-h AMB BP (systolic [MD -4.20; 95% CI -5.36 to -3.03; p < 0.00001], diastolic [-2.38; -3.42 to -1.35]), and daytime AMB BP (systolic: -5.11; -6.75 to -3.47, diastolic: -2.88; -3.91 to -1.85). Similarly, office BP was reduced with RDN (systolic: -5.46; -7.12 to -3.81; diastolic: -3.17; -4.23 to -2.12) when compared with placebo.

Our meta-analysis shows that RDN is associated with a significant reduction in the 24-h AMB BP, daytime AMB BP, and office BP.