Endovascular radiofrequency renal denervation in resistant hypertension: a single center experience

Eight patients with office blood pressure >140/90 mmHg, despite being treated with at least three antihypertensive drugs, underwent catheter-based renal denervation. Secondary hypertension was excluded in all patients. Every patient underwent follow-up at 30 days, and then every 3 months. At 6 and 12 months the median value of systolic clinic blood pressure decreased from 161 mmHg (25^th-75^th percentiles: 158-191 mmHg) at baseline to 144 mmHg (25^th-75^th percentiles: 136-153 mmHg) at follow up (P=0.012), and the median value of diastolic clinic blood pressure decreased from 102 mmHg (25^th-75^th percentiles: 94-122 mmHg) at baseline to 90 mmHg (25^th-75^th percentiles: 78-99 mmHg) at follow-up (P=0.012). The number of medications decreased from 5 (range, 2-8) at baseline to 3.3 (range, 0-6) at follow up. There was a significant decrease of left ventricular mass index from a median of 160 g/m² (25^th-75^th percentiles: 147-151 g/m²) at baseline to 126 g/m² (25^th-75^th percentiles 107-151 g/m²) at follow-up (P=0.043) was detected. The renal function, and metabolic and neurohumoral parameters, did not change significantly. No complications were observed.