Screening for Primary Aldosteronism using Steroids

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to assess the effectiveness of a steroid-based screening method for identifying Primary Aldosteronism (PA) in hypertensive patients who are on their usual antihypertensive medications. The study will enroll approximately 515 participants aged 18-75 who have been diagnosed with hypertension and are taking at least one medication that interferes with aldosterone or renin. Participants will undergo testing to compare the steroid-based approach with the conventional aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) method, which often requires medication washout. This approach seeks to improve the accuracy of PA diagnosis while minimizing safety concerns associated with medication changes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18-75 years, with no sex restriction.
2. Diagnosed with hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg measured on at least two different days.
3. Currently receiving at least one antihypertensive medication that interferes with aldosterone or renin (ACEI/ARB, β-blockers, dihydropyridine CCBs, or diuretics including MRA) for ≥4 consecutive weeks.
4. Fully informed about the study procedures and risks, and willing to participate by signing a written informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Confirmed secondary hypertension of other etiologies (e.g., renovascular hypertension, renal artery stenosis, reninoma, pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, Liddle syndrome), excluding obstructive sleep apnea.
2. Severe cardiac, hepatic, or renal impairment or serious infections, including but not limited to New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III-IV heart failure, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels exceeding 2.5 times the upper limit of normal, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) \<30 mL/min/1.73 m², or severe infections (e.g., diabetic foot, sepsis, pneumonia, refractory infections).
3. History of major cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events within the past 3 months.
4. Pregnant or breastfeeding women.
5. Currently using medications (other than the listed antihypertensives) that may affect aldosterone or renin secretion, including but not limited to sex hormones (e.g., oral contraceptives, estrogen replacement therapy), glucocorticoids (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen), or antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, olanzapine).
6. Individuals lacking or having restricted capacity for independent decision-making or action.
7. History of psychiatric disorders.
8. Poor compliance likely to compromise study completion.

Where it's running

• The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
  Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Qifu Li, MD, PhD, Chief Physician — First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University
• Study coordinator: Qifu Li, MD, PhD, Chief Physician
• Email: liqifu@yeah.net
• Phone: +8618696676815

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Spironolactone with antihypertensives for unilateral primary aldosteronism

  This project will try different doses of spironolactone together with usual blood-pressure medicines in adults with lateralized primary aldosteronism who decline surgery to see if it relieves renin suppression and lowers long-term cardiovascular risks.

  Recruiting Third Military Medical University · Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality · NCT07137364

• Improving screening for primary aldosteronism in patients with hypertension

  This study is testing if giving a small dose of dexamethasone can help doctors better identify primary aldosteronism in patients with high blood pressure who are already on medication.

  Recruiting Medical University of Gdansk · Gdansk, Pomeranian Voivodeship · NCT06740838

• Quantifying sodium levels in muscles of patients with primary aldosteronism

  This study is testing a new way to measure sodium levels in the muscles of people with primary aldosteronism to see if it helps improve understanding and treatment of the condition.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School · Singapore and 3 other locations · NCT06569589

• Combining statins with amlodipine to treat primary aldosteronism

  This study is testing if combining statins with amlodipine can help people with primary aldosteronism manage their condition better.

  Recruiting Phase 4 Third Military Medical University · Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality · NCT06523465

• Using low-dose aspirin after preeclampsia to improve recovery

  This study is testing if taking low-dose aspirin for six months after having preeclampsia can help new moms recover better by improving their blood pressure and blood vessel function.

  Recruiting Phase 4 University of Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · NCT06281665

• Impact of Aldosterone Blockade on Heart Function in Primary Aldosteronism

  This study is testing if a medication that blocks a hormone called aldosterone can improve heart function in people with primary aldosteronism, which causes high blood pressure.

  Recruiting Phase 4 Brigham and Women's Hospital · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT05030545

How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.