BACKGROUNDAs a novel device-based approach targeting the renal sympathetic nerves, percutaneous renal denervation (RDN) has been shown to be effective and safe for reducing blood pressure. However, while considerable data on RDN have been obtained from Western populations, there is limited findings from East Asian populations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate one-year outcomes of RDN for the treatment of resistant hypertension in Chinese patients.

METHODSBetween February and August 2012, 14 patients (mean age 39 ± 8 years, 10 males) with resistant hypertension underwent successful RDN at the Fuwai Hospital. All 14 patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months post-procedure. Blood pressure, use of antihypertensive agents, renal function, and complications were investigated.

RESULTSBaseline values included mean office blood pressure of 164/103 ± 14/10 mmHg, mean 3.9 ± 0.6 anti-hypertensive agents, and an estimated glomerular filtration rate of (79 ± 19) ml × min(-1)×1.73 m(-2). Office blood pressure after the procedure was reduced by -14/-10, -17/-11, -21/-12, and -24/-14 mmHg at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months respectively, and the reduction of the number of antihypertensive agents at the above corresponding time points was -1.3, -1.5, -1.7 and -1.8 respectively (all P < 0.001). The mean reduction of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure was similar to the reduction of office blood pressure at the four corresponding time points. Renal function did not significantly change at any time point (all P > 0.05). No clinical complications were observed at 12-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONThis study showed that RDN seems to be effective in reducing blood pressure of Chinese patients with resistant hypertension, with minimal adverse events at 12-month follow-up.