Health Care Challenges in the Management of Primary Aldosteronism in Southeast Asia

While guidelines have been formulated for the management of primary aldosteronism (PA), following these recommendations may be challenging in developing countries with limited health care access.

We aimed to assess the availability and affordability of health care resources for managing PA in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, which includes low-middle-income countries.

We instituted a questionnaire-based survey to specialists managing PA, assessing the availability and affordability of investigations and treatment. Population and income status data were taken from the national census and registries.

Nine ASEAN country members (48 respondents) participated. While screening with aldosterone-renin ratio is performed in all countries, confirmatory testing is routinely performed in only 6 countries due to lack of facilities and local assays, and cost constraint. Assays are locally available in only 4 countries, and some centers have a test turnaround time exceeding 3 weeks. In 7 countries (combined population of 442 million), adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is not routinely performed due to insufficient radiological facilities or trained personnel, and cost constraint. Most patients have access to adrenalectomy and medications. In 6 countries, the cost of AVS and adrenalectomy combined is more than 30% of its annual gross domestic product per capita. While most patients had access to spironolactone, it was not universally affordable.

Large populations currently do not have access to the health care resources required for the optimal management of PA. Greater efforts are required to improve health care access and affordability. Future guideline revisions for PA may need to consider these limitations.