Ambulatory blood pressure after 12 weeks of quadruple combination of quarter doses of blood pressure medication vs. standard medication

BACKGROUND

A combination of four ultra-low-dose blood pressure (BP) medications lowered office BP more effectively than initial monotherapy in the QUARTET trial. The effects on average ambulatory BP changes at 12 weeks have not yet been reported in detail.

METHODS

Adults with hypertension who were untreated or on monotherapy were eligible for participation. Overall, 591 participants were randomized to either the quadpill (irbesartan 37.5 mg, amlodipine 1.25 mg, indapamide 0.625 mg, and bisoprolol 2.5 mg) or monotherapy control (irbesartan 150 mg). The difference in 24-h, daytime, and night-time systolic and diastolic ambulatory BP at 12 weeks along further metrics were predefined secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 576 participants, 289 were randomized to the quadpill group and 287 to the monotherapy group. At 12 weeks, mean 24-h ambulatory SBP and DBP were 7.7 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 9.6-5.8] and 5.3 (95% CI: 6.5-4.1) mmHg lower in the quadpill vs. monotherapy group ( P  < 0.001 for both). Similar reductions in the quadpill group were observed for daytime (8.1/5.7 mmHg lower) and night-time (6.3/4.0 mmHg lower) BP at 12 weeks (all P  < 0.001) compared to monotherapy. The rate of BP control (24-h average BP < 130/80 mmHg) at 12 weeks was higher in the quadpill group (77 vs. 50%; P  < 0.001). The reduction in BP load was also more pronounced with the quadpill.

CONCLUSION

A quadruple quarter-dose combination compared with monotherapy resulted in greater ambulatory BP lowering across the entire 24-h period with higher ambulatory BP control rates and reduced BP variability at 12 weeks. These findings further substantiate the efficacy of an ultra-low-dose quadpill-based BP lowering strategy.

Initial treatment with a single pill containing quadruple combination of quarter doses of blood pressure medicines versus standard dose monotherapy in patients with hypertension (QUARTET): a phase 3, randomised, double-blind, active-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Treatment inertia is a recognised barrier to blood pressure control, and simpler, more effective treatment strategies are needed. We hypothesised that a hypertension management strategy starting with a single pill containing ultra-low-dose quadruple combination therapy would be more effective than a strategy of starting with monotherapy.

METHODS

QUARTET was a multicentre, double-blind, parallel-group, randomised, phase 3 trial among Australian adults (≥18 years) with hypertension, who were untreated or receiving monotherapy. Participants were randomly assigned to either treatment, that started with the quadpill (containing irbesartan at 37·5 mg, amlodipine at 1·25 mg, indapamide at 0·625 mg, and bisoprolol at 2·5 mg) or an indistinguishable monotherapy control (irbesartan 150 mg). If blood pressure was not at target, additional medications could be added in both groups, starting with amlodipine at 5 mg. Participants were randomly assigned using an online central randomisation service. There was a 1:1 allocation, stratified by site. Allocation was masked to all participants and study team members (including investigators and those assessing outcomes) except the manufacturer of the investigational product and one unmasked statistician. The primary outcome was difference in unattended office systolic blood pressure at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included blood pressure control (standard office blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg), safety, and tolerability. A subgroup continued randomly assigned allocation to 12 months to assess long-term effects. Analyses were per intention to treat. This trial was prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12616001144404, and is now complete.

FINDINGS

From June 8, 2017, to Aug 31, 2020, 591 participants were recruited, with 743 assessed for eligibility, 152 ineligible or declined, 300 participants randomly assigned to intervention of initial quadpill treatment, and 291 to control of initial standard dose monotherapy treatment. The mean age of the 591 participants was 59 years (SD 12); 356 (60%) were male and 235 (40%) were female; 483 (82%) were White, 70 (12%) were Asian, and 38 (6%) reported as other ethnicity; and baseline mean unattended office blood pressure was 141 mm Hg (SD 13)/85 mm Hg (SD 10). By 12 weeks, 44 (15%) of 300 participants had additional blood pressure medications in the intervention group compared with 115 (40%) of 291 participants in the control group. Systolic blood pressure was lower by 6·9 mm Hg (95% CI 4·9-8·9; p<0·0001) and blood pressure control rates were higher in the intervention group (76%) versus control group (58%; relative risk [RR] 1·30, 95% CI 1·15-1·47; p<0·0001). There was no difference in adverse event-related treatment withdrawals at 12 weeks (intervention 4·0% vs control 2·4%; p=0·27). Among the 417 patients who continued, uptitration occurred more frequently among control participants than intervention participants (p<0·0001). However, at 52 weeks mean unattended systolic blood pressure remained lower by 7·7 mm Hg (95% CI 5·2-10·3) and blood pressure control rates higher in the intervention group (81%) versus control group (62%; RR 1·32, 95% CI 1·16-1·50). In all randomly assigned participants up to 12 weeks, there were seven (3%) serious adverse events in the intervention group and three (1%) serious adverse events in the control group.

INTERPRETATION

A strategy with early treatment of a fixed-dose quadruple quarter-dose combination achieved and maintained greater blood pressure lowering compared with the common strategy of starting monotherapy. This trial demonstrated the efficacy, tolerability, and simplicity of a quadpill-based strategy.

FUNDING

National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia.

Combination of Hydroxychloroquine and Indapamide Attenuates Neurodegeneration in Models Relevant to Multiple Sclerosis

As the underlying pathophysiology of progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) remains unclear, current treatment strategies are inadequate. Progressive MS is associated with increased oxidative stress and neuronal damage in lesions along with an extensive representation of activated microglia/macrophages. To target these disease mechanisms, we tested the novel combination of generic medications, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), and indapamide, in tissue culture and in mice. HCQ is an anti-malarial medication found to inhibit microglial activation and to ameliorate disease activity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. We are currently completing a phase II trial of HCQ in primary progressive MS ( ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02913157). Indapamide is an antihypertensive previously discovered in our laboratory drug screen to be an anti-oxidant. As these medications have a different spectrum of activities on disease mechanisms relevant to progressive MS, their use in combination may be more effective than either alone. We thus sought preclinical data for the effectiveness of this combination. In vitro, indapamide had robust hydroxyl scavenging activity, while HCQ and indapamide alone and in combination protected against iron-induced neuronal killing; TNF-α levels in activated microglia were reduced by either drug alone, without additional combination effects. In mice with a lysolecithin lesion that manifests demyelination and axonal loss in the spinal cord, the combination but not individual treatment of HCQ and indapamide reduced CD68+ microglia/macrophage representation in lesions, attenuated axonal injury, and lowered levels of lipid peroxidation. Our study supports the combination of indapamide and HCQ as a new treatment strategy targeting multiple facets of progressive MS.

Ultra-low-dose quadruple combination blood pressure-lowering therapy in patients with hypertension: The QUARTET randomized controlled trial protocol

High blood pressure is the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality globally. Many patients remain on single-drug treatment with poor control, although guidelines recognize that most require combination therapy for blood pressure control. Our hypothesis is that a single-pill combination of 4 blood pressure-lowering agents each at a quarter dose may provide a simple, safe, and effective blood pressure-lowering solution which may also improve long-term adherence. The Quadruple UltrA-low-dose tReaTment for hypErTension (QUARTET) double-blind, active-controlled, randomized clinical trial will examine whether ultra-low-dose quadruple combination therapy is more effective than guideline-recommended standard care in lowering blood pressure. QUARTET will enroll 650 participants with high blood pressure either on no treatment or on monotherapy. Participants will be randomized 1:1 and allocated to intervention therapy of a single pill (quadpill) containing irbesartan 37.5 mg, amlodipine 1.25 mg, indapamide 0.625 mg, and bisoprolol 2.5 mg or to control therapy of a single identical-appearing pill containing irbesartan 150 mg. In both arms, step-up therapy of open-label amlodipine 5 mg will be provided if blood pressure is >140/90 at 6 weeks. The primary outcome is the difference between groups in the change from baseline in mean unattended automated office systolic blood pressure at 12-week follow-up. The primary outcome and some secondary outcomes will be assessed at 12 weeks; there is an optional 12-month extension phase to assess longer-term efficacy and tolerability. Our secondary aims are to assess if this approach is safe, has fewer adverse effects, and has better tolerability compared to standard care control. QUARTET will therefore provide evidence for the effectiveness and safety of a new paradigm in the management of high blood pressure.

A review of the prescribing trend of thiazide-type and thiazide-like diuretics in hypertension: A UK perspective

Thiazide diuretics have been the cornerstone of hypertension treatment for >5 decades. Most recent European and American guidelines recommend both thiazide-type and thiazide-like diuretics as first-line drugs for all patients with hypertension. In contrast, diuretics are not regarded as first-line treatment in the UK and in patients who are to be initiated on a diuretic treatment, thiazide-like molecules, such as chlortalidone and indapamide are the preferred option. This review examines the prescribing trend of the 4 most commonly prescribed thiazide diuretics for the treatment of hypertension in the UK. Prescription cost analysis data were obtained for both 2010 and 2016/2017 for each region of the UK to analyse the impact of the 2011 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence hypertension guidelines on the trend in thiazide diuretic prescribing. Overall, the prescriptions of thiazide diuretics declined over the years. Bendroflumethiazide is the most commonly prescribed diuretic in the UK and despite some geographical differences, thiazide-type diuretics are more widely used than thiazide-like. The use of indapamide increased significantly between 2010 and 2016/2017 while chlortalidone was rarely employed. Of the many factors affecting trends in prescriptions, clinical inertia, treatment adherence, availability of the products and the lack of fixed dose combinations may play a role.

Response of 1,5-anhydroglucitol level to intensive glucose- and blood-pressure lowering interventions, and its associations with clinical outcomes in the ADVANCE trial

AIMS

To evaluate 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) according to clinical outcomes and assess the effects of glucose- and blood pressure-lowering interventions on change in 1,5-AG levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

We measured 1,5-AG in 6826 stored samples at baseline and in a random subsample of 684 participants at the 1-year follow-up visit in the ADVANCE trial. We examined baseline 1,5-AG [< 39.7, 39.7-66.2, ≥ 66.2 μmol/L (<6, 6-10, ≥10 μg/mL)] and microvascular and macrovascular events and mortality using Cox regression models during 5 years of follow-up. Using an intention-to-treat approach, we examined 1-year change in 1,5-AG (mean and percent) in response to the glucose- and blood pressure-lowering interventions in the subsample.

RESULTS

Low 1,5-AG level [<39.7 μmol/L vs ≥ 66.2 μmol/L (<6 μg/mL vs ≥10 μg/mL)] was associated with microvascular events (hazard ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.60) after adjustment for risk factors and baseline glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c); however, the associations for macrovascular events and mortality were not independent of HbA1c. The glucose-lowering intervention was associated with a significant 1-year increase in 1,5-AG (vs standard control) of 6.69 μmol/L (SE 2.52) [1.01 μg/mL (SE 0.38)], corresponding to an 8.26% (SE 0.10%) increase from baseline. We also observed an increase in 1,5-AG of similar magnitude in response to the blood pressure intervention independent of the glucose-lowering effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that 1,5-AG is a marker of risk in adults with type 2 diabetes, but only for microvascular events independently of HbA1c. We found that 1,5-AG was improved (increased) in response to an intensive glucose-lowering intervention, although the independent effect of the blood pressure-lowering intervention on 1,5-AG suggests potential non-glycaemic influences.

Effects of Blood Pressure Lowering on Clinical Outcomes According to Baseline Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

The optimal blood pressure (BP) goal in patients with diabetes mellitus remains controversial. We examined whether benefits and risks of intensified antihypertensive therapy in diabetes mellitus are influenced by either baseline BP or cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. We studied 10 948 people with diabetes mellitus, at moderate-to-high risk, in the ADVANCE trial (Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation). Cox models were used to determine whether baseline BP category or CVD risk modified the outcomes of combination perindopril-indapamide treatment, compared with placebo. During 4.3 years of follow-up, treatment with perindopril-indapamide versus placebo reduced mortality and major vascular (macrovascular or microvascular) events. There was no evidence of differences in these effects, regardless of baseline systolic BP (evaluated down to <120 mm Hg; P for heterogeneity, 0.85), diastolic BP (evaluated down to <70 mm Hg; P=0.49), or whether 10-year CVD risk was ≥20% or <20% ( P=0.08). The effects of randomized treatment on discontinuation of treatment because of cough or hypotension/dizziness were also statistically consistent across subgroups defined by baseline BP and CVD risk (all P ≥0.08). Adults with diabetes mellitus appear to benefit from more intensive BP treatment even at levels of BP and CVD risk that some guidelines do not currently recommend for intervention. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT00751972.

The effect of indapamide vs. bendroflumethiazide for primary hypertension: a systematic review

The aims of the current review were to compare the efficacy of monotherapy with bendroflumethiazide vs. indapamide on mortality, cardiovascular outcomes, blood pressure, need for intensification of treatment and treatment withdrawal. Two authors independently screened the results of a literature search, assessed the risk of bias and extracted relevant data. Randomized clinical trials of hypertensive patients of at least a 1-year duration were included. When there was disagreement, a third reviewer was consulted. Risk ratio (RR) and mean differences were used as measures of effect. Two trials comparing bendroflumethiazide against placebo, one comparing indapamide with placebo and three of short duration directly comparing indapamide and Bendroflumethiazide, were included. No statistically significant difference was found between indapamide and bendroflumethiazide for all deaths [RR 0.82; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57, 1.18], cardiovascular deaths (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.55, 1.20), noncardiovascular deaths (0.81; 95% CI 0.54, 1.22), coronary events (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.30, 1.79) or all cardiovascular events (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.67, 1.18). Indapamide performed worse for stroke (RR 2.21; 95% CI 1.19, 4.11), even though a reduction in RR compared with placebo was observed in both groups. There was no statistically or clinically significant difference between indapamide and bendroflumethiazide in blood pressure reduction (mean absolute difference <1 mmHg). The present review highlights a lack of studies to answer the review question but also a lack of evidence of superiority of one drug over the other. Therefore, there is a clear need for new studies directly comparing the effect of these drugs on the outcomes of interest.

Indapamide-induced bilateral choroidal effusion in pseudophakic patient

We describe a case of indapamide-induced bilateral choroidal effusion, first time reported in pseudophakic patient, associated with no change in visual acuity and stable refraction.A 70-year-old man was referred for ophthalmic assessment, with binasal visual field defect for 2 days. He had been started on treatment with indapamide 3 weeks earlier. His ophthalmic history included bilateral cataract surgery and intraocular lens implant. Fundal examination revealed bilateral choroidal effusions; B-scan ultrasonography was used to measure the extent of the choroidal detachment and the anterior chamber depth. Discontinuation of indapamide resulted in spontaneous resolution of choroidal effusion after 3 days. Our case is the first in the literature that describes bilateral choroidal effusion induced by indapamide in a pseudophakic patient. The lack of myopic shift likely resulted in a later presentation, enhancing the theory that lens thickening and/or accommodative spasm may play a crucial role in pathophysiology.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Fixed-Dose Combination Perindopril/Indapamide in Hypertensive Patients with a History of Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: PICASSO Trial

INTRODUCTION

In everyday medical practice, physicians often need to manage patients whose blood pressure is not well controlled. Those with a history of cerebrovascular disease are a high-risk group in need of rapid blood pressure control.

METHODS

The PICASSO study was a real-life, observational trial involving 9257 inadequately treated hypertensive patients who were switched from previous therapy to the fixed-dose combination of perindopril 10 mg/indapamide 2.5 mg (PI) for 3 months. A subanalysis of data of 1117 hypertensive patients who met the clinical criteria of previous stroke or transient ischemic attack was performed. Twenty-four hour ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPMs) were also done in a small group of patients (n:38).

RESULTS

At baseline, mean systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP) was 161.5 ± 15.2/93.1 ± 9.9 mmHg. After 1 month with the fixed dose of PI, average office SBP/DBP decreased to 140.0 ± 11.9/83.5 ± 7.7 mmHg. After 3 months, SBP/DBP had dropped to 132.9 ± 9.8/80.0 ± 6.2 mmHg, by 28.6 ± 15.5/13.1 ± 10.0 mmHg (p < 0.001). Blood pressure control rate (< 140/90 mmHg) was 67.3% after 3 months. When data were stratified by baseline blood pressure, decreases in SBP/DBP were statistically significant in patients with all grades (1-3) of hypertension. In patients previously treated with an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor ± hydrochlorothiazide (n = 677), blood pressure decreased by 29.8 ± 15.5/13.3 ± 10.2 mmHg (p < 0.001). Decreases in 24-h ABPM values were also significant (n = 38). Treatment was well tolerated; only a few adverse events were recorded.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that fixed combination perindopril 10 mg/indapamide 2.5 mg is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for patients with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack.

FUNDING

EGIS Pharmaceuticals Plc.

Haemoglobin glycation index and risk for diabetes-related complications in the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) trial

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Previous studies have suggested that the haemoglobin glycation index (HGI) can be used as a predictor of diabetes-related complications in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. We investigated whether HGI was a predictor of adverse outcomes of intensive glucose lowering and of diabetes-related complications in general, using data from the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) trial.

METHODS

We studied participants in the ADVANCE trial with data available for baseline HbA_1c and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (n = 11,083). HGI is the difference between observed HbA_1c and HbA_1c predicted from a simple linear regression of HbA_1c on FPG. Using Cox regression, we investigated the association between HGI, both categorised and continuous, and adverse outcomes, considering treatment allocation (intensive or standard glucose control) and compared prediction of HGI and HbA_1c.

RESULTS

Intensive glucose control lowered mortality risk in individuals with high HGI only (HR 0.74 [95% CI 0.61, 0.91]; p = 0.003), while there was no difference in the effect of intensive treatment on mortality in those with high HbA_1c. Irrespective of treatment allocation, every SD increase in HGI was associated with a significant risk increase of 14-17% for macrovascular and microvascular disease and mortality. However, when adjusted for identical covariates, HbA_1c was a stronger predictor of these outcomes than HGI.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

HGI predicts risk for complications in ADVANCE participants, irrespective of treatment allocation, but no better than HbA_1c. Individuals with high HGI have a lower risk for mortality when on intensive treatment. Given the discordant results and uncertain relevance beyond HbA_1c, clinical use of HGI in type 2 diabetes cannot currently be recommended.

[Possibilities of Correction of Endothelial Dysfunction at the Background of Combined Antihypertensive Therapy in Patients With Arterial Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes]

AIM

To evaluate the impact of a 12-week combined antihypertensive therapy with enalapril + indapamide on endothelial dysfunction in patients with arterial hypertension (AH) and diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

30 patients with AH stage II-III and DM type 2 age from 40 to 65 years were included into research. The combined antihypertensive therapy with enalapril 28.6 ± 1.9 + indapamide 2.5 ± 0 mg/day was assigned for 12 weeks. We studied endothelial function by determining the concentration of NO metabolites and endothelin-1 in serum and urine, the results of occlusion test.

RESULTS

After 12-week therapy, 100% of the patients achieved BP goals. There was no impairment of carbohydrate metabolism. Endothelial function was improved in hypertensive patients with T2DM: there were increases in both serum and urinary NO production (by 381 and 48.2%, respectively) and decreases in urinary endothelin-1 secretion (by 56.3%). The number of patients with normal microcirculation increased from 13.3 to 53.3% (p < 0.001) by reducing the number of patients with abnormal (hyperemic and stagnant-stasic) types of microcirculation.

CONCLUSION

Twelve-week treatment with the combined antihypertensive medication. The combined antihypertensive therapy with enalapril + indapamide is highly effective and safe for recovering endothelial function in hypertensive patients with T2DM.

[Fixed dose combination perindopril-indapamide-amlodipine (Triplixam) for the treatment of arterial hypertension]

Triplixam is a fixed dose combination of three well known antihypertensive agents, with complementary activities, to control blood pressure in patients with arterial hypertension: perindopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, indapamide, a diuretic whith thiazide-like effects but also specific properties, and amlodipine, a long-acting calcium antagonist of the dihydropyridine family. The potential synergic action allows better control of blood pressure with once daily administration, while limiting the incidence of adverse events. Various presentations with different dosages are available to facilitate individualized therapy. Warnings and precautions for use of every molecule should of course be respected. Such a fixed dose combination should contribute to limit clinical inertia and to improve therapeutic compliance.

[Pulse wave velocity and pulse pressure in patients with arterial hypertension]

The article is devoted to assessment of pulse pressure (PP) in female postmenopausal patients and patients with arterial hypertension (AH) older than 55 years. It is shown that in postmenopausal women even aged 55 years or less PP is one of most important parameters associated with target organ damage. Conclusion about presence of elevated vascular wall stiffness in these women as in elderly patients can be made at PP more or equal 60 mm Hg. In elderly patients both with isolated systolic AP and 1-2 degree systolic-diastolic monotherapy with indapamide 1,5 mg retard allows not only to achieve clear-cut hypotensive effect but in both variants of AH to lower PP. This can substantially decrease degree of cardiovascular risk without crossing bottom borders of diastolic AP lowering. The latter is especially important for elderly patients with isolated systolic AH.

Blood pressure-lowering efficacy of monotherapy with thiazide diuretics for primary hypertension

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is a modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. Although it is established that low-dose thiazides reduce mortality as well as cardiovascular morbidity, the dose-related effect of thiazides in decreasing blood pressure has not been subject to a rigorous systematic review. It is not known whether individual drugs within the thiazide diuretic class differ in their blood pressure-lowering effects and adverse effects.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the dose-related decrease in systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure due to thiazide diuretics compared with placebo control in the treatment of patients with primary hypertension. Secondary outcomes included the dose-related adverse events leading to patient withdrawal and adverse biochemical effects on serum potassium, uric acid, creatinine, glucose and lipids.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2014, Issue 1), Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to February 2014), Ovid EMBASE (1974 to February 2014) and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included double-blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing fixed-dose thiazide diuretic monotherapy with placebo for a duration of 3 to 12 weeks in the treatment of adult patients with primary hypertension.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently screened articles, assessed trial eligibility, extracted data and determined risk of bias. We combined data for continuous variables using a mean difference (MD) and for dichotomous outcomes we calculated the relative risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

MAIN RESULTS

We included 60 randomized, double-blind trials that evaluated the dose-related trough blood pressure-lowering efficacy of six different thiazide diuretics in 11,282 participants treated for a mean duration of eight weeks. The mean age of the participants was 55 years and baseline blood pressure was 158/99 mmHg. Adequate blood pressure-lowering efficacy data were available for hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone and indapamide. We judged 54 (90%) included trials to have unclear or high risk of bias, which impacted on our confidence in the results for some of our outcomes.In 33 trials with a baseline blood pressure of 155/100 mmHg, hydrochlorothiazide lowered blood pressure based on dose, with doses of 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, 25 mg and 50 mg/day lowering blood pressure compared to placebo by 4 mmHg (95% CI 2 to 6, moderate-quality evidence)/2 mmHg (95% CI 1 to 4, moderate-quality evidence), 6 mmHg (95% CI 5 to 7, high-quality evidence)/3 mmHg (95% CI 3 to 4, high-quality evidence), 8 mmHg (95% CI 7 to 9, high-quality evidence)/3 mmHg (95% CI 3 to 4, high-quality evidence) and 11 mmHg (95% CI 6 to 15, low-quality evidence)/5 mmHg (95% CI 3 to 7, low-quality evidence), respectively.Direct comparison of doses did not show evidence of dose dependence for blood pressure-lowering for any of the other thiazides for which RCT data were available: bendrofluazide, chlorthalidone, cyclopenthiazide, metolazone or indapamide.In seven trials with a baseline blood pressure of 163/88 mmHg, chlorthalidone at doses of 12.5 mg to 75 mg/day reduced average blood pressure compared to placebo by 12.0 mmHg (95% CI 10 to 14, low-quality evidence)/4 mmHg (95% CI 3 to 5, low-quality evidence).In 10 trials with a baseline blood pressure of 161/98 mmHg, indapamide at doses of 1.0 mg to 5.0 mg/day reduced blood pressure compared to placebo by 9 mmHg (95% CI 7 to 10, low-quality evidence)/4 (95% CI 3 to 5, low-quality evidence).We judged the maximal blood pressure-lowering effect of the different thiazides to be similar. Overall, thiazides reduced average blood pressure compared to placebo by 9 mmHg (95% CI 9 to 10, high-quality evidence)/4 mmHg (95% CI 3 to 4, high-quality evidence).Thiazides as a class have a greater effect on systolic than on diastolic blood pressure, therefore thiazides lower pulse pressure by 4 mmHg to 6 mmHg, an amount that is greater than the 3 mmHg seen with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and renin inhibitors, and the 2 mmHg seen with non-selective beta-blockers. This is based on an informal indirect comparison of results observed in other Cochrane reviews on ACE inhibitors, ARBs and renin inhibitors compared with placebo, which used similar inclusion/exclusion criteria to the present review.Thiazides reduced potassium, increased uric acid and increased total cholesterol and triglycerides. These effects were dose-related and were least for hydrochlorothiazide. Chlorthalidone increased serum glucose but the evidence was unclear for other thiazides. There is a high risk of bias in the metabolic data. This review does not provide a good assessment of the adverse effects of these drugs because there was a high risk of bias in the reporting of withdrawals due to adverse effects.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review shows that hydrochlorothiazide has a dose-related blood pressure-lowering effect. The mean blood pressure-lowering effect over the dose range 6.25 mg, 12.5 mg, 25 mg and 50 mg/day is 4/2 mmHg, 6/3 mmHg, 8/3 mmHg and 11/5 mmHg, respectively. For other thiazide drugs, the lowest doses studied lowered blood pressure maximally and higher doses did not lower it more. Due to the greater effect on systolic than on diastolic blood pressure, thiazides lower pulse pressure by 4 mmHg to 6 mmHg. This exceeds the mean 3 mmHg pulse pressure reduction achieved by ACE inhibitors, ARBs and renin inhibitors, and the 2 mmHg pulse pressure reduction with non-selective beta-blockers as shown in other Cochrane reviews, which compared these antihypertensive drug classes with placebo and used similar inclusion/exclusion criteria.Thiazides did not increase withdrawals due to adverse effects in these short-term trials but there is a high risk of bias for that outcome. Thiazides reduced potassium, increased uric acid and increased total cholesterol and triglycerides.

Blood pressure control with a single-pill combination of indapamide sustained-release and amlodipine in patients with hypertension: the EFFICIENT study

OBJECTIVE

Despite antihypertensive treatment, most hypertensive patients still have high blood pressure (BP), notably high systolic blood pressure (SBP). The EFFICIENT study examines the efficacy and acceptability of a single-pill combination of sustained-release (SR) indapamide, a thiazide-like diuretic, and amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker (CCB), in the management of hypertension.

METHODS

Patients who were previously uncontrolled on CCB monotherapy (BP≥140/90 mm Hg) or were previously untreated with grade 2 or 3 essential hypertension (BP≥160/100 mm Hg) received a single-pill combination tablet containing indapamide SR 1.5 mg and amlodipine 5 mg daily for 45 days, in this multicenter prospective phase 4 study. The primary outcome was mean change in BP from baseline; percentage of patients achieving BP control (BP<140/90 mm Hg) was a secondary endpoint. SBP reduction (ΔSBP) versus diastolic BP reduction (ΔDBP) was evaluated (ΔSBP/ΔDBP) from baseline to day 45. Safety and tolerability were also assessed.

RESULTS

Mean baseline BP of 196 patients (mean age 52.3 years) was 160.2/97.9 mm Hg. After 45 days, mean SBP decreased by 28.5 mm Hg (95% CI, 26.4 to 30.6), while diastolic BP decreased by 15.6 mm Hg (95% CI, 14.5 to 16.7). BP control (<140/90 mm Hg) was achieved in 85% patients. ΔSBP/ΔDBP was 1.82 in the overall population. Few patients (n = 3 [2%]) reported side effects, and most (n = 194 [99%]) adhered to treatment.

CONCLUSION

In patients who were previously uncontrolled on CCB monotherapy or untreated with grade 2 or 3 hypertension, single-pill combination indapamide SR/amlodipine reduced BP effectively--especially SBP--over 45 days, and was safe and well tolerated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trial Registry-India CTRI/2010/091/000114.

[Direct comparison of endothelial and metabolic effects of perindopril combination with indapamide retard or hydrochlorothiazide]

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to compare changes of vascular and metabolic parameters in patients with essential hypertension on treatment with combination of perindopril with either indapamide retard or hydrochlorothiazide.

METHODS

The study involved 40 patients who were randomly assigned to perindopril 5-10 mg/day in combination with indapamide retard (P+I) 1.5 mg/day (n = 20) or with hydrochlorothiazide (P+HT) 25 mg/day (n=20). Waist circumference, body mass index, blood lipids and glucose, endothelial function (EF) determined as the change of resistance index after inhalation of salbutamol, arterial stiffness measured as mean pulse wave velocity after sublingual trinitroglycerin (PWVtng) were evaluated at baseline and 6 months thereafter. Vascular responses were calculated from digital pulse waves registered using photoplethysmography.

RESULTS

Dynamics of BP after 6 months did not differ significantly between groups. Treatment with combination of P+HT resulted in significant decrease of EF (-24,3%, p<0,05) accompanied by negative changes of triglycerides (+13,4%, p<0,05) and glucose levels (+9,8%, p<0,05), whereas combination of P+I did not affect endothelial function and was metabolically neutral. PWVtng significantly decreases on both regiments of treatment with the trend in favor of P+I combination (-13,4%, p<0,001 versus -9,8%, p<0,01 for P+I and P+HT combinations, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Thus, despite the similar BP reduction the combination of ACE-inhibitor--perindopril with indapamide retard possesses more favorable vascular and metabolic effects compared to combination with hydrochlorothiazide that potentially may account for different prognosis of patients with arterial hypertension on long-term treatment.

[Clinical aspects of vaso-and cardioprotection in patients with primary and recurrent myocardial infarction]

The paper is devoted to characteristics of vascular and cardiac remodeling in patients with primary and recurrent myocardial infarction (MI). Data on multifocal atheroslerotic involvement of vessels in these patients associated with development of multivascular involvement of coronary arteries are presented. Emphasis is made on remodeling of vessels and the heart, parameters of vasodilation. We have elucidated frequency of vascular vasoconstrictory reactions in acute stage of MI and relationship between vascular and myocardial remodeling. Special consideration is given to possibility of correction of vascular vasoconstrictory reaction with indapamide. We have corroborated its administration starting from first days of treatment and demonstrated its effect during use for 3 months. We have established possibility of normalization of endothelium dependent vasodilation in most patients with primary MI. Expedience of the use of indapamide for prevention of development of chronic heart failure is stressed.

The Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial - latest data

Early trials in the field of hypertension focused on adults in their fifties and sixties. However, with the passage of time, a progressive effort has been made to expand the evidence base for treatment in older adults. 2008 saw publication of data from the Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial which demonstrated significant mortality and morbidity benefits from antihypertensive therapy in octogenarians. More recently, additional data from this cohort has been published suggesting that appropriate anti-hypertensive therapy may lead to a reduction in incident cognitive impairment and fractures, whilst a 1 year open label extension of the main study confirmed many of the original trial findings. This review provides an overview of the Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial whilst also discursively evaluating the latest data.

[The FORTISSIMO program: advantages of fixed full dose combination of perindopril arginine and indapamide in the treatment of poorly controlled arterial hypertension]

In the Russian program FORTISSIMO administration of fixed combination of perindopril arginine/indapamide (10 mg/2.5 mg) in 2120 patients with poorly controlled arterial hypertension instead of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or -receptor antagonists (ARB) with hydrochlorothiazide given separately or in fixed combinations resulted in significant lowering of arterial pressure (AP) and achievement of its target level in 84% of patients. Mean AP was lowered from 177/99 to 130/80 mm Hg in 3 months while substantial reduction down to 149/89 mm Hg occurred just after 2 weeks of treatment. Improvement of compliance to therapy was also noted. Fixed perindopril/indapamide combination was well tolerated and turned out to be effective for AP control irrespective of previously conducted therapy (ACEI or ARB with diuretic).

Effects of blood pressure lowering on cardiovascular outcomes in different cardiovascular risk groups among participants with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To asses differences in treatment effects of a fixed combination of perindopril-indapamide on major clinical outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes across subgroups of cardiovascular risk.

METHODS

11,140 participants with type 2 diabetes, from the ADVANCE trial, were randomized to perindopril-indapamide or matching placebo. The Framingham equation was used to calculate 5-year CVD risk and to divide participants into two risk groups, moderate-high risk (<25% and no history of macrovascular disease), very high risk (>25% and/or history of macrovascular disease). Endpoints were macrovascular and microvascular events.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 66 years (42.5% female). 1000 macrovascular and 916 microvascular events were recorded over follow-up of 4.3 years. Relative treatment effects were similar across risk groups, (all P-values for heterogeneity ≥0.38). Hazard ratios for combined macro- and microvascular events were 0.89 (0.77-1.03) for the moderate-high risk and 0.92 (0.81-1.03) for the very high risk. Absolute treatment effects tended to be greater in the high risk groups although differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Relative effects of blood pressure lowering with perindopril-indapamide on cardiovascular outcomes were similar across risk groups whilst absolute effects trended to be greater in the high risk group.

[Vascular effects of perindopril arginine and indapamide fixed combination in patients with arterial hypertension]

The aim of the study was to investigate the dynamics of arterial stiffness and endothelial function parameters under the influence of perindopril arginine and indapamide fixed combination in arterial hypertension (AH) patients. 30 persons with 1-3 degree AH were included into the study. The treatment duration was 24 weeks. Central aortic blood pressure (BP), augmentation pressure and index (AIx), carotid-femoral and carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWV), brachial artery endothelium-dependent vasodilatation (EDVD), office and ambulatory BP as well as orthostatic BP falls were evaluated under the influence of selected therapy. 27 patients completed the study protocol. Results showed that aortic systolic BP was significantly reduced by 10.7 mmHg, augmentation pressure - by 3.6 mmHg and AIx - by 6.5%. Carotid-radial PWV decreased by 0.8 m/s. Carotid-femoral PWV did not change. We also revealed the EDVD increase by week 12. The EDVD growth was correlated with degree of aortic systolic BP reduction (r=-0.48, p=0.02). Office and ambulatory BP declined by 15.8/10.0 and 10.0/7.5 mmHg respectively. The target BP &lt;140/90 mmHg was achieved in 20 (74.1%) persons. At the same time the orthostatic hypotension did not rise. Conclusion. We concluded that perindopril arginine/indapamide fixed combination improved vascular function in hypertensive patients by wave reflection reduction, peripheral arterial stiffness lowering and endothelial function improvement.

[New guidelines for hypertension in Russia--a priority of combined treatment]

This review provides an analysis of the results of Russian and foreign clinical trials that have shown a high antihypertensive efficacy and tolerability of combined medications containing fixed doses of perindopril and indapamide.

[The impact of antihypertensive therapy on cerebral hemodynamics in patients with metabolic syndrome]

The aim of this work was the scintigraphic study of brain perfusion and the elucidation of the relationship between daily variations of arterial pressure (AP) and the results of single photon emission computed tomography (SPCT) of the brain in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). The secondary objective was to estimate effect of combined antihypertensive therapy on cerebral circulation. 24 patients with MS underwent SPCT with 99mTc HMPOA and 24 hr AP monitoring before and 6 mo after therapy with long-acting verapamil combined with slow-release indapamide or enalapril. It was shown that all the patients suffered disturbances of regional cerebral blood flow even in the absence of focal neurological symptoms. Perfusion was especially impaired in the temporal, occipital and superior frontal lobes. The degree of the night-time fall in AP was related to the level of perfusion in the right temporal region (r = -0.5; p = 0.04) which confirms the danger of extreme AD decrease in hypertonics during sleep. Combined antihypertensive therapy has positive influence on cerebral perfusion. Verapamil plus enalapril has more pronounced effect than verapamil plus indapamide on cerebral blood flow in many brain regions.

Thiazides diuretics in the treatment of nephrolithiasis: are we using them in an evidence-based fashion?

In the 1980s a change occurred in hydrochlorothiazide prescribing practices for hypertension from high-dose (50 mg/day) to low-dose (12.5-25 mg/day) therapy. However, randomized controlled trials (RCT) for prevention of calcium-containing kidney stones (CCKS) employed only high doses (≥ 50 mg/day). We hypothesized that these practices have resulted in underdosing of hydrochlorothiazide for prevention of CCKS. Patients with a filled prescription for thiazide diuretics that underwent a 24-h urine stone risk factor analysis were eligible. Those with evidence that thiazide was prescribed for CCKS were further analyzed. Of 107 patients, 102 were treated with hydrochlorothiazide, 4 with indapamide, and one with chlorthalidone. Only 35% of hydrochlorothiazide-treated patients received 50 mg/day; a dose previously shown to reduce stone recurrence. Fifty-two percent were prescribed 25 mg and 13% 12.5 mg daily, doses that were not studied in RCT. Evidence-based hydrochlorothiazide use was suboptimal regardless of where the patient received care (Nephrology or Endocrinology clinic). In a small subset of patients (n = 6) with 24-h urinary calcium excretion measured at baseline and after 2 hydrochlorothiazide doses (25 and ≥ 50 mg), there was a trend toward decreased urinary calcium excretion as the dose was increased from 25 to ≥ 50 mg/day (p = 0.051). Low-dose hydrochlorothiazide was often used for prevention of CCKS despite the fact that there is no evidence that it is effective in this setting. This may have resulted from a practice pattern of using lower doses for hypertension therapy or a lack of knowledge of RCT results in treatment of CCKS.

[Nephroprotection diabetes mellitus type 2: lessons from the ADVANCE trial]

Based on the results of the ADVANCE study, the article considers the issues of medication nephroprotection in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, including patients with uncontrolled arterial hypertension. Potentials for use of fixed combination of perindopril + indapmide, which provides therapeutic effect at all stages of renal continuum, are discussed. It is established that improved control of blood pressure by combination of perindopril + indapmide leads to a significant decrease in mortality in DM 2 patients.

[Low-dose combination of perindopril arginine with indapamide in correction of metabolic syndrome]

AIM

To study ways of realization of pleiotropic effects of treatment with low-dose combination of perindopril arginine with indapamide in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome (MS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty hypertensive patients with MS received low-dose combined drug noliprel A (Servier, France). In weak hypotensive effect noliprel A forte was used. An antihypertensive (by the data of 24-h blood pressure monitoring), sympatholytic (by the levels of ACTH and cortisol in blood plasma, by variability of the heart rate)and metabolic effects of the drug were assessed after 3 weeks, 3 and 6 months of treatment. Carbohydrate metabolism was studied by glucose and insulin blood levels before meal and after it. Lipid and purin metabolism were assessed by enzyme method, leptin levels - by enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

24-h blood pressure monitoring registered a stable regular blood pressure lowering, target blood pressure was achieved in 78.6% patients. Blood ACTH concentration significantly reduced showing a sympatholytic action of the drug. Parameters of lipid, carbohydrate and purin metabolism changed insignificantly. Positive changes were seen in anthropometric indices, leptin tended to decrease. Changes in these parameters, sympatholytic and hypotensive effects depended on plasmic levels of leptin.

CONCLUSION

A fixed low-dose combination of perindopril arginine with indapamide in a stable hypotensive effect and metabolic neutrality influences some key components of MS including hyperactivity of sympathic autonomic nervous system component and hyperleptinemia.

[Selection of rational combinations of indapamide with various of calcium antagonists in patients with arterial hypertension]

We studied 89 patients with II degree arterial hypertension (age 43-67 years). Before and in 24 weeks after therapy we carried out 24-hour monitoring of arterial pressure and Doppler echocardiography. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Combination therapy with indapamide and verapamil retard, indapamide and amlodipine were prescribed to patients of group 1 and 2, respectively. At the background of therapy circadian rhythm was normalized in 82.8 and 76.9% of patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively. In group1 therapy was especially effective in patients with type 1 left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), 24-hour nondipper profile, and hyperkinetic type of circulation. In group 2 pronounced changes of parameters were seen in II-III type of LVDD and hypokinetic type of circulation.

The effect of treatment based on a diuretic (indapamide) +/- ACE inhibitor (perindopril) on fractures in the Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial (HYVET)

BACKGROUND

fractures may have serious implications in an elderly individual, and fracture prevention may include a careful choice of medications.

DESIGN

the Hypertension in the Very Elderly Trial (HYVET) was a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a thiazide-like diuretic (indapamide 1.5 mg SR) with the optional addition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor (perindopril 2-4 mg). Fracture was a secondary end point of the trial.

SETTING

HYVET recruited participants from Eastern and Western Europe, China, Australasia, and Tunisia.

SUBJECTS

all participants were > or =80 years of age and hypertensive.

METHODS

participants were randomised to receive a thiazide-like diuretic (indapamide 1.5 mg SR) +/- ACE inhibitor (perindopril 2-4 mg) or matching placebos. Incident fractures were validated and analysed based on time to first fracture.

RESULTS

there were 3,845 participants in HYVET and a total 102 reported fractures (42 in the active and 60 in the placebo group). When taking only validated first fractures, 90 were included in the analyses (38 in the active and 52 in the placebo group). Cox proportional hazard regression, adjusted for key baseline risk factors, resulted in a point estimate of 0.58 (95% CI 0.33-1.00, P = 0.0498).

CONCLUSIONS

despite the lowering of blood pressure, treatment with a thiazide-like diuretic and an ACE inhibitor does not increase and may decrease fracture rate.

Efficacy and safety of routine blood pressure lowering in older patients with diabetes: results from the ADVANCE trial

OBJECTIVE

The efficacy and safety of blood pressure lowering in elderly patients have not been sufficiently investigated in patients with diabetes. Using data from the Action in Diabetes and Vascular disease: preterAx and diamicroN-MR Controlled Evaluation study, we assessed the efficacy and safety of routine blood pressure lowering to prevent major clinical outcomes in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Eleven thousand one hundred and forty patients aged at least 55 years with type 2 diabetes (mean 66+/-6 years) were randomly assigned to perindopril-indapamide or placebo. The primary endpoint was a composite of major macrovascular and microvascular disease. The effects of active treatment on outcomes were estimated in subgroups according to age: below 65, 65-74 and at least 75 years.

RESULTS

During a mean 4.3-year follow-up, 1799 (16.1%) patients experienced a major event. Active treatment produced similar relative risk reductions for the primary outcome, major macrovascular disease, death and renal events across age groups (all P heterogeneity >0.3). Over 5 years, active treatment was estimated to prevent one primary outcome in every 21, 71 and 118 patients of at least 75, 65-74 and below 65 years, respectively. Similar patterns of benefits were observed for secondary outcomes. There were no differences in the tolerability between randomized allocations across age groups (all P heterogeneity >0.6)

CONCLUSION

Routine administration of perindopril-indapamide lowers blood pressure safely and reduces the risk of major clinical outcomes in patients of at least 75 years with type 2 diabetes. The greater absolute benefits in older patients in this age group were not offset by an increased risk of side effects.

Development and validation of a stability-indicating assay method for simultaneous determination of perindopril and indapamide in combined dosage form by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography

An approach of forced degradation study was successfully applied for the development of a stability-indicating assay method for simultaneous determination of perindopril and indapamide in a formulation in the presence of its degradation products. The method showed adequate separation of perindopril and indapamide from their associated main impurities and degradation products. Separation was achieved on an XTerra RP18, 5 microm, 150 x 4.6 mm id column at 55 degrees C by using the mobile phase NaH2PO4 buffer (pH 2.0; 0.005 M)-acetonitrile (75 + 25, v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min and UV detection at 215 nm. Comprehensive stress testing of perindopril and indapamide was carried out according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guideline Q1A (R2). The specificity of the method was determined by assessing interference from the placebo and by stress testing of the drug (forced degradation). The drug was subjected to acid hydrolysis, base hydrolysis, oxidation, dry heat, and photolysis to apply stress conditions. There were no other coeluting, interfering peaks from excipients, impurities, or degradation products due to variable stress conditions, and the method was specific for determination of perindopril and indapamide in the presence of degradation products. The method was validated in terms of linearity, precision, accuracy, specificity, robustness, and solution stability. The linearity of the proposed method was investigated in the range of 24-56 microg/mL (r2 = 0.9993) for perindopril and 7.5-17.5 microg/mL (r2 = 0.9992) for indapamide. Degradation products produced as a result of stress studies did not interfere with the detection of perindopril and indapamide, and the assay can thus be considered stability indicating.

[Comparative efficiency of indapamide combinations with various derivaties of calcium antagonists in patients with arterial hypertension]

The study included 59 patients aged 42-65 yr with grade II AH. They underwent 24 hour AP monitoring and Doppler echocardiography before and 16 weeks after onset of the study. The patients were randomly allocated to 2 groups. In group 1, they were given combined therapy with indapamide and verapamil retard. Patients of group 2 were treated with indapamide and amlodipine. AP circadian rhythm returned to normal in 83 and 78.6% of the patients in groups 1 and 2 respectively. Combined therapy in group 1 was especially beneficial for patients with type 1 left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, daily non-dipper profile, and hyperkinetic type of blood circulation. In group 2, the most pronounced changes were documented in patients with type II-III left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and hypokinetic type of circulation.

Treating hypertension by rational use of diuretics: results of the Russian ARGUS-2 Study

OBJECTIVE

Insufficient use of diuretics in combination antihypertensive therapy is a main cause of poor blood pressure (BP) control in Russia. The objective of the ARGUS-2 study was to demonstrate that a rational use of a thiazide-like diuretic, indapamide sustained release (SR), alone or in combination, improves BP control in patients with arterial hypertension difficult to control due to isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic nephropathy, or metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

The open-label, non-comparative, 3-month study without preliminary washout included 1438 hypertensive patients (mean age: 57.3 +/- 10.7 years, mean BP: 158.8 +/- 14.2/93.4 +/- 10.0 mmHg), with difficult-to-control arterial hypertension and who had never been treated with diuretics previously. Throughout the study, patients received indapamide SR 1.5 mg OD. BP control was defined as <140/90 mmHg for all patients and <130/80 mmHg for those with diabetes mellitus or chronic nephropathy.

RESULTS

Indapamide SR was given as initiation monotherapy to 13.7% of the patients, as substitutive monotherapy to 6.8% of the patients uncontrolled by a previous monotherapy, as additive therapy to 31.9% of the patients uncontrolled by previous monotherapy, and as additive therapy to 47.6% uncontrolled by previous combination therapy without a diuretic. Among included patients 75.7% received also an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin II receptors blocker, 43.9% a calcium channel blocker, and 32.8% a beta-blocker. In 3 months after indapamide SR administration, average BP level decreased to 131.8 +/- 9.7/80.5 +/- 6.9 mmHg and 84.5% of the study population achieved BP control. BP was controlled in 91.9% of patients with ISH (n = 477), 74.8% of those with diabetes (n = 214), 75.6% of those with chronic nephropathy (n = 82), and 85.1% of patients with metabolic syndrome (n = 745). No case of hypokalemia was reported.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates the value of including the thiazide-like diuretic indapamide SR in a combined antihypertensive regimen to control BP in hypertensive patients with added cardiovascular risk factors whose hypertension is difficult to treat. Methodological limitations of this study are its open-label design and the possibility of a change in concomitant antihypertensive treatment during the study.

Evaluation of high dose of perindopril/indapamide fixed combination in reducing blood pressure and improving end-organ protection in hypertensive patients

BACKGROUND

Despite the widespread notion that controlling hypertension is essential to improve cardiovascular outcome, uncontrolled hypertension rates remain high. Fixed-dose combinations are used routinely to reduce the impact of hypertension. Treatment with fixed-combination perindopril/indapamide, for example, at the currently approved doses (perindopril 2 mg/indapamide 0.625 mg [Per2/Ind0.625] and perindopril 4 mg/indapamide 1.25 mg [Per4/Ind1.25]), reduces blood pressure, end-organ damage, and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of hypertensive patients.

AIM AND SCOPE

This article reviews three published randomised trials that evaluated the efficacy and safety of the highest dose of perindopril/indapamide (perindopril 8 mg/indapamide 2.5 mg [Per8/Ind2.5]) in blood pressure lowering and end-organ protection studies.

RESULTS

In the first (dose-finding) study, incremental reductions in SBP/DBP were observed with each dose doubling. After 8 weeks of treatment, decreases in supine SBP/DBP were statistically significant compared to placebo for all three doses, with incremental and progressive reductions with each dose doubling: ranging from SBP/DBP respectively -14/-9 mmHg for Per2/Ind0.625 to -23/-15 mmHg for Per8/Ind2.5 compared to -5/-5 mmHg for placebo. In the PICXEL and PREMIER trials, SBP/DBP decreases of 16.3/8.1 mmHg (p < 0.0001) and 2.5/2.6 mmHg, respectively, were noted when Per4/Ind1.25 was doubled to Per8/Ind2.5 (decreases from 167.7/101.7 to 151.4/93.6 in PICXEL and from 154.9/92.1 to 152.4/89.5 in PREMIER, respectively). As a consequence more patients had normalised blood pressure (22% and 17%), more patients responded to treatment (68% and 45%), and 29% and 10% of non-responders became responders, in PICXEL and PREMIER, respectively. Additional end-organ benefits were also noted with Per8/Ind2.5. In PICXEL, significant decreases from baseline in left ventricular mass were noted with all three doses, with a 17.5 g/m(2) decrease from baseline in patients whose maximum dose was Per8/Ind2.5 (from 148.5 g/m(2) +/- 39.5 (mean +/- SD) to 131 g/m(2); p < 0.0001). In PREMIER, changes in albumin excretion rate were also noted with all three doses, with a 45% reduction from baseline in patients whose maximum dose was Per8/Ind2.5 (p < 0.0001). When safety data, including potassium levels, were analysed, the increase in dose to Per8/Ind2.5 did not have a notable impact on the safety profile of perindopril/indapamide.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on data available from an evaluation of three randomised clinical trials, fixed-combination Per8/Ind2.5 provided a significant, incremental reduction in blood pressure as well as cardiac and renal end-organ protection while remaining safe and well-tolerated.

Urinary N-Acetyl B Glucosaminidase as an Earlier Marker of Diabetic Nephropathy and Influence of Low-Dose Perindopril/Indapamide Combination

INTRODUCTION

Tubulointerstitial injury is both a key feature of diabetic nephropathy and an important predictor of renal dysfunction. N-Acetyl B glucosaminidase (NAG) is derived from proximal tubular cells and is widely used to evaluate tubular renal function.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is whether NAG can be used as an early marker of diabetic nephropathy by comparing the urinary NAG levels between healthy controls and diabetic patients and determining changes in urinary NAG excretion after treatment with low-dose combination perindopril (2 mg)/ indapamide (0.625 mg)/o.d.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 50 patients (29 female) with type II diabetes mellitus applying to our diabetes outpatient clinics for the first time were included in our study (Group 1). Diabetic patients were classified into three subgroups on the basis of their duration of diabetes: Group 1A (n = 15) < or = 3 years, Group 1B (n = 19) 3 to 5 years, and Group 1c (n = 16) > 5 years. The inclusion criteria were no prior use of antihypertensive agents; blood pressure < 130/85 mmHg; urinary albumin excretion < 30 mg/day; and absence of renal failure, diabetietes, and hypertensive retinopathy. A total of 30 healthy individuals (16 female) (Group 2) were assessed as the control group. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, HbA1c, body mass index, 24-h microalbuminuria (MAU), and NAG measurements in urine samples were performed by using colorimetric assay method in an analyzer (Roche Cobas Mira). The assay defined as fragmentation of 3-cresolsulfonphthaleinyl-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide molecule by NAG to 3-cresolsulphonphthalein and N-acetylglucosamine molecules and serum creatinine were measured in all groups. Type II diabetic patients were administered perindopril (2 mg)/indapamide (0.625 mg) combination once daily for 4 months, and urinary NAG levels were measured at the end of treatment.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups 1 and 2 with respect to the levels of NAG and HbA1c (p < 0.05). In the treatment group, NAG levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05), whereas blood pressure and HbA1c levels did not change significantly (p > 0.05). In diabetic patients, pretreatment NAG were lowest in Group 1A and highest in Group 1c, although the difference between the treatment subgroups was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Urinary NAG excretion is elevated in type II diabetic patients as compared with the healthy individuals. Perindopril/indapamide administration is effective in reducing urinary NAG excretion in these patients, and this effect seems to be independent from blood pressure and glycemia control. Presence of tubular proteinuria may be an early indicator of diabetic renal disease in patients without microalbuminuria. Perindopril (2 mg)/ indapamide (0.625 mg)/o.d. treatment may have beneficial effect on the tubulointerstitial damage in diabetic kidney disease.

[Effect of antihypertensive drugs on some humoral parameters of endothelial function]

We assessed effect of antihypertensive drugs from various classes on humoral parameters of endothelial function - levels of asymmetrical dimethyl-arginine (ADMA) and metabolites of nitrous oxide (MNO) - in 106 patients with I-II degree arterial hypertension before and after 2 weeks of treatment. Two weeks treatment with various antihypertensive drugs did not lead to significant changes of ADMA levels. However antihypertensive drugs from various classes produced different effects on levels of MNO. Combination antihypertensive preparation indapamide and perindopril caused significant elevation of MNO level in patients with I-II degree arterial hypertension what appears to be indirect reflection of augmentation of nitrous oxide formation and improvement of endothelial function.

[Immunomodulating, metabolic and cardioprotective effects of AT1-angiotensin receptors blocker losartan in patients with coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus]

AIM

To evaluate effects of 6-month therapy with losartan in combination with indapamide on a clinical course, immunological, metabolic parameters, left ventricular function, exercise tolerance and quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) associated with metabolic syndrome (MS).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty six CHD patients with postinfarction cardiac dysfunction in MS were randomized into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 22 patients with impaired glucose tolerance, group 2--of 24 type 2 diabetics. Treatment included combination of losartan (50 mg/day) with indapamide (1.5 mg/day), on demand nitrates, nebivolol. Basic therapy in diabetes included sugar-reducing drugs. Clinical condition, findings of echocardiography, parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolisms, immunoglobulins, circulating immune complexes, autoantibodies to cardiolipin (AB to CL), spectrum of proinflammatory cytokines were studied before and 3 months after course treatment.

RESULTS

Overactivation of cytokines (primarily IL-2, IL-1, TNF alpha) with high expression of IgA, IgG, CIC, AB to CL was found in CHD patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and less evident in impaired glucose tolerance. Losartan in both groups had an antihypertensive effect, stabilized LV hypertrophy, improved clinical symptoms leading to cytokines expression decline: TNF alpha by 9.8%, IL-1--by 6.1%, IL-6--by 6.7%. Losartan was well tolerated, caused no negative metabolic effects.

CONCLUSION

New original facts of cytokine overactivation and humoral immunity disturbances were discovered which play an essential role in pathogenesis of postinfarction dysfunction and LV remodeling developing in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Losartan 6-month treatment in the fixed combination has a positive effect on clinicohemodynamic and immunometabolic indices. This gives grounds for wider use of losartan in CHD combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

[Combined antihypertensive treatment of patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus]

AIM

To investigate antihypertensive efficacy, effects on endothelial, diastolic function of the left ventricle and metabolism of combination of ACE inhibitor quinapril (accupro) with diuretic indapamide SR in patients with hypertension of the second-third degree and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and free of DM.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Outpatient treatment was given to 60 patients with AH (mean age 55.3 +/- 9.6 years) in combination with mild or moderate DM (group 1) and free of DM (group 2). The patients were observed for 12 weeks. Clinical and biochemical blood tests, ECG, echo-CG, measurements of blood pressure were made in all the patients.

RESULTS

Quinapril course (mean dose 23.3 +/- 9.8 mg/day) in combination with indapamide (1.5 mg/ day) produced a complete hypotensive effect in group 1 (23 patients, 76.7%), in group 2--25 (83.3%). DM patients demonstrated reduction of fasting and postprandial glycemia and cholesterol, time of isovolumic relaxation reduced in group 1 by 9.1%, in group 2 by 19.8% (p < 0.01). Left ventricular diastolic function improved, endothelium-dependent vasodilation in diabetics rose by 40%, non-endothelium-dependent--by 21.8%, in hypertensive patients free of DM--by 51.9 and 43.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Combination of quinapril with indapamide produces a significant antihypertensive effect in patients with AH of degree II-III associated with type 2 DM, improves carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, left ventricular diastolic function.

[Combined antihypertensive therapy in patients with arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes]

The aim of the study was to assess effect of 12-week long combined therapy with quinapril (accupro), an ACE inhibitor, and diuretic indapamide SR on arterial pressure (AP), carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, and safety of the treatment in patients having arterial hypertension (AH) with and without DM2. Sixty outpatients with grade II-III AH (mean age 55.3 +/- 9.6 yr) were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (n = 30) comprised patients with AH and DM2, group 2 (n = 30) included patients with AH alone. Combined therapy with daily doses of 23.3 +/- 9.8 g accupro and 1.5 mg indapamide reduced systolic and diastolic AP by 30.2 and 27.3% respectively in group 1 and by 27.6 and 27.1% in group 2. In patients with AH and DM2, fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels decreased by 7.3 and 5.2% and HbA1c by 8.9% (p < 0.05). Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol tended to decrease in both groups. HDL cholesterol significantly (p < 0.05) increased by 11.1% in group 1 and 10% in group 2 Side effects were documented only in 8.3% of the patients and did not require withdrawal of therapy. It is concluded that antihypertensive treatment with quinapril (accupro), an ACE inhibitor, and diuretic indapamide SR may be recommended for long-term therapy of AH concomitant with DM2.

Efficacy of a very-low-dose combination of perindopril and indapamide--preterax compared with cilazapril monotherapy in patients with inadequate blood pressure control--a randomized, double-blind, add-on study

BACKGROUND

Combined regimen may be superior to monotherapy in blood pressure (BP) control. Since BP control is critically related to cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in hypertensive patients, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a low-dose combined regimen of preterax compared with cilazapril monotherapy for better BP control in treated hypertensive patients.

METHODS

Stable hypertensive patients were evaluated if their systolic BP (SBP) was > 130 mmHg and/or diastolic BP (DBP) was > 85 mmHg even with up to 2 antihypertensive drugs. Patients were excluded if they were on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers or a diuretic. They were then randomized to receive either preterax (perindopril 2 mg and indapamide 0.625 mg) or cilazapril 2.5 mg once daily in a double-blind fashion for a period of 12 weeks after a 2-week placebo run-in phase. Sitting BP was recorded and the safety and efficacy were evaluated at each visit every 4 weeks. Response was defined as positive if SBP was < or = 140 mmHg and DBP was < or = 90 mmHg at the last visit or there was > 20 mmHg reduction in SBP and/or > 10 mmHg reduction in DBP using either treatment. Plasma biochemical analysis was performed both before and after the treatment.

RESULTS

Among the 47 patients initially enrolled, 41 completed the study (21 in the preterax group, 20 in the cilazapril group). There was no difference in the number of adverse events between the 2 groups. SBP was significantly reduced by preterax (13.43 +/- 12.48mmHg, p < 0.0001) and cilazapril (9.00 +/- 13.75 mmHg, p < 0.05). However, DBP was significantly reduced only by preterax (7.67 +/- 9.40 mmHg, p = 0.0009) but not by cilazapril (3.60 +/- 8.37 mmHg, p > 0.05). The response rate was significantly higher to preterax (100%) than to cilazapril (70%) (p = 0.0086).

CONCLUSION

Though similar in safety, combined regimen preterax was more effective than cilazapril to facilitate adequate BP control in already-treated hypertensives. It can be added on to other antihypertensives for better BP control in clinical hypertension.

[Treatment of cardiac insufficiency in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease]

Course and systematic long-term noliprel therapy of chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) complicated by chronic pulmonary heart permitted to arrest or significantly slow down further progress of heart remodeling, impairment of systolic and diastolic function of right and left chamber and to decrease pressure in the pulmonary artery. These changes correlated with an improved clinical picture of the disease, increased tolerance to physical exercise, and reduced frequency of progressive right ventricular insufficiency. The integral indicator of clinical symptoms fell down from 12.54 +/- 0.27 to 9.26 +/- 0.22 by the 12th month of therapy. This finding confirms beneficial effect of noliprel on clinical manifestations of heart failure and substantial improvement of structural and functional parameters of the right heart.

[Arterial hypertension in persons older than 80 years: the problem can be successfully solved]

It has been noted in recommendations of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and of the European Society of Cardiology (2007) that there are no data on effects of antihypertensive therapy on risk of development of cardiovascular complications in patients older than 80 years. In the recently completed study HYVET on 3845 patients aged>80 years (mean age 83 years) with arterial pressure (AP)>160 mm Hg as criterion of inclusion, and target AP below 150/80 mm Hg at the background of 1.5 mg of indapamide retard with or without addition of 2-4 mg of perindopril, 30% lowering of risk of development of fatal and nonfatal stroke (95% confidence interval [CI] -1 to 51, p=0.06), 21% lowering of risk of all-cause death (95%CI 4 to 35, p=0.02), 23% lowering o f risk of cardiovascular death (95%CI -1 to 40, p=0.06), and 64% lowering of risk of development of heart failure (95%CI 42 to 78, p<0.001) were observed. Thus lowering of elevated AP in persons older than 80 years leads to substantial decrease of total mortality, rate of development of fatal stroke and heart failure, improvement of prognosis of life.