Screening for Primary Aldosteronism: Whom and How?

Abstract/Summary:

The authors of this study propose an attractive option: the unadjusted plasma renin activity measurement as an exclusion screening test for primary aldosteronism. In the case that the findings of this study hold true and will be confirmed by further larger studies, the two initial steps (medication switch and ARR) might be replaced by a single measurement of plasma renin activity and further investigation will be limited in patients with renin levels below 1.0 mg/mL/h. It has to be highlighted, however, that the study findings have to be replicated and confirmed by further studies, which will be prospective, in larger numbers, performed in less‐selected populations and in experienced centers using appropriate diagnostic algorithms. In the case, however, that the findings prove true, it will be a significant step toward the simplification of the diagnostic algorithm for primary aldosteronism, reinforcing its wider application in hypertensive patients.

Authors: Michael Doumas, Vasilios Athyros, Vasilios Papademetriou
Keywords: screening, hypertension, diagnosis, aldosterone, renin
DOI Number: 10.1111/jch.12521      Publication Year: 2015

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