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Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2019; 127(02/03): 84-92
DOI: 10.1055/a-0672-0836
Review
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Aldosterone to Renin Ratio as Screening Tool in Primary Aldosteronism

Katharina Schilbach   *
1   Endocrine Research Unit, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany
,
Riia Karoliina Junnila   *
2   Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Departement of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
,
Martin Bidlingmaier
1   Endocrine Research Unit, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, München, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 15 May 2018
revised 18 July 2018

accepted 08 August 2018

Publication Date:
30 August 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a severe and often underdiagnosed form of secondary hypertension. Determining the aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR) in hypertensive patients has been shown to be a valuable screening test for identification of patients suffering from PA. Since the introduction of a more widespread ARR screening the number of PA patients significantly increased worldwide. Interpretation of ARR might be challenging: Several factors from posture to interfering drugs affect the ARR and need to be taken into account when collecting samples. In addition, the wide variety of available assay methods and lack of well-established cut-offs present a challenge to the clinician. This review discusses the usefulness and possible difficulties of ARR screening.

Key words

hypertension - primary aldosteronism - immunoassays - interfering drugs

* Katharina Schilbach and Riia Karoliina Junnila contributed equally to this manuscript.


 

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