Is renal denervation an effective treatment for hypertension? Comparison of recent meta-analysis and a multinational registry

We compared the impact of renal denervation (RDN) on blood pressures using results available from a recent comprehensive meta-analysis and an international registry. The meta-analysis summarized recent trials in which RDN was compared with control groups that were treated only with antihypertensive medication; the registry only included patients treated with RDN. Both publications presented pretreatment pressures and changes 6 months postbaseline. Significant reductions in office systolic pressure and 24 h ambulatory systolic pressure were observed in both groups of the meta-analysis and the registry. However, the magnitude of blood pressure reduction with RDN and medical treatment was comparable in both the meta-analysis and registry. RDN has not been shown to be superior to medical management of hypertension in this combined experience of nearly 2000 hypertensive patients.