HypertensionMeta-analysis
Long-term outcomes following radiofrequency renal denervation: meta-analysis of 18 reports
- Meta-analysis of randomised trials and observational studies
- random effects model
Authors' conclusion
This meta-analysis comprising 18 studies demonstrated sustained and significant office and ambulatory BP reductions following Symplicity RDN through at least 3 years without an increase in anti-hypertensive medication.
Study context
- Population
- Patients with uncontrolled hypertension undergoing radiofrequency (RF) renal denervation (RDN) with minimum follow-up of 3 years18 reports
- Participants
- 2,212 patients
- Outcome
- Office and 24-h BP change from baseline; changes in anti-hypertensive drugs
- Follow-up
- 3 years or last reported beyond 3 years
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Office SBP change from baseline · ≥3 years (mean follow-up 4.4 years)
Office SBP change from baseline, random effects model (15 reports, n = 2040)
−23.0 mmHg (95% CI −26.8 to −19.1, P < 0.05)
Office SBP change from baseline, fixed effect model
−20.5 (−21.6 to −19.4)
Further pooled results
24-h ambulatory SBP change from baseline
- 24-h ambulatory SBP decreased significantly (11 reports, n = 1018)
- −13.6 mmHg (−16.5 to −10.8, P < 0.05)
- Fixed effect model results similar
Nighttime SBP change from baseline
- Nighttime SBP decreased significantly
- −14.2 mmHg (−27.6 to −0.8, P < 0.05)
Diastolic office and 24-h blood pressure (BP)
- Paralleled systolic findings in both models
Antihypertensive drugs, eGFR, heart rate
- Number of prescribed antihypertensive drugs and eGFR decreased
- Heart rate unchanged through final follow-up in both models
Safety
Renal artery complications
- Mean rate of renal artery complications (safety events rare)
- 0.14% (0.08-0.20%)
Original publication
Long-term outcomes following radiofrequency renal denervation: meta-analysis of 18 reports. Eur J Prev Cardiol. Published 15 July 2025. doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf368
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it