• Author
    Jetesh Sahadeo
  • Discovery PI

    James Wu, MD

  • Project Co-Author

    Sang Ngo BS, Arianna D. Konstantopoulos BA , Elena G. Hughes BS, MS, Kelsey N. Larios BS, James X. Wu MD, Michael W. Yeh MD, Masha J. Livhits MD

  • Abstract Title

    EHR-Based Screening for Primary Aldosteronism in a Large Academic System

  • Discovery AOC Petal or Dual Degree Program

    Basic, Clinical, & Translational Research

  • Abstract

    Background: Primary aldosteronism (PA) remains an underdiagnosed cause of hypertension. Current practice is inconsistent with guideline recommendations for identifying high-risk patients. This study aims to evaluate PA screening and treatment across a large academic health system.

    Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on hypertensive patients (2017 to 2019) across ambulatory clinics, allowing for 5-year longitudinal follow-up. Patients meeting at least one Endocrine Society screening criterion were included: resistant hypertension, hypokalemia,  adrenal mass, or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Screening was defined by collection of an aldosterone-renin ratio (ARR), with positivity defined by ARR ≥20 and aldosterone ≥10 ng/dl. Outcomes included screening rates, diagnostic yield, and subsequent treatment.

    Results: Of 40,865 hypertensive patients, 17,735 (43.4%) met ≥1 screening criterion. Only 736 (4.1%) were screened for PA, with rates varying by indication: 4.7% for resistant hypertension, 8.5% for hypokalemia, 26% for adrenal mass, and 1.6% for OSA. Of those screened, 213 (28.9%) tested positive. Twenty-six patients (12%) underwent adrenalectomy, 81 (38%) received mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and 106 patients (50%) were untreated. Patients undergoing adrenalectomy trended towards fewer major cardiovascular events (2/70, 2.9%) compared with patients managed medically or untreated (25/303, 8.3%; p = 0.1). At 5 years, patients surgically or medically treated for PA were taking fewer anti-hypertensive medications, had lower mean systolic blood pressure and greater resolution of hypokalemia compared with untreated patients.

    Conclusions: PA remains underdiagnosed and undertreated in high-risk populations.  Interventions to improve systematic adherence to guideline-based screening may improve detection, management, and cardiovascular outcomes associated with untreated PA.

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