Screening for primary aldosteronism in young patients with hypertension

Screening for Primary Aldosteronism in Hypertension With 24-hour URinary aLdosterone

Observational Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust · NCT06047912

This study is testing two different tests to see which one works better for finding primary aldosteronism in young people with high blood pressure.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorCambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cambridge)
Trial IDNCT06047912 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study compares the effectiveness of two tests for screening primary aldosteronism in patients with young-onset hypertension. It evaluates the positivity rates of the plasma aldosterone renin ratio and 24-hour urine aldosterone tests. The study aims to determine if untargeted screening is feasible and to assess the reliability of current guidelines for diagnosing primary aldosteronism. By analyzing the correlation between the two tests, the study seeks to improve diagnostic accuracy in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 years and above with young-onset hypertension (ages 18-60) who meet specific clinical criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with severe hypertension or known secondary hypertension, as well as those with contraindications to confirmatory testing, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate screening methods for primary aldosteronism, improving patient outcomes through timely diagnosis and treatment.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is based on established testing methods, the specific comparison of positivity rates in this context is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* A patient will be eligible for inclusion in this trial only if all of the following criteria apply:

  * Aged 18 years and above.
  * Meets NICE criteria for a diagnosis of hypertension with an age of onset of hypertension between 18-60 years.
  * For cohort 2 (suspected primary aldosteronism): resistant hypertension, and/or hypertension with spontaneous or diuretic-induced hypokalaemia, and/or hypertension.

Exclusion Criteria:

* • Severe hypertension (sustained blood pressure of \>200/110 mmHg) or a history of known secondary hypertension other than PA.

  * Contraindications to confirmatory testing with saline infusion or oral salt loading test as per standard clinical criteria such as known clinical diagnosis of heart failure, and/or chronic kidney disease stage 3b.
  * Known Pregnancy or breast feeding.
  * Lack of informed consent.
  * Any medical condition deemed unsuitable by investigator for participation in the study

Where this trial is running

Cambridge

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HypertensionPrimary AldosteronismUrine Aldosterone
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.