Abstract
Excess aldosterone production contributes to the development of hypertension and results in fibrosis with dysfunction of the heart, vasculature and kidneys. Consequently, new agents have been developed to reduce endogenous aldosterone synthesis. The primary objective of this systematic review is to describe the BP-lowering effects of aldosterone synthase inhibitors (ASIs) in hypertensive patients and, secondly, to describe their potential renal protective effects and possible influence on cortisol production and plasma potassium. We searched PubMed, Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov and included randomized controlled and clinical trials according to PICO using the review tool Covidence. Thirteen studies were included and all demonstrated BP reduction through ASI treatment. Among patients with apparent resistant hypertension, the placebo-corrected reductions in seated systolic BP were 11.0 mmHg for baxdrostat and 9.6 mmHg for lorundrostat. A significant suppression of cortisol production was found for LCI699 (osilodrostat) but not for baxdrostat, lorundrostat, BI 690517 (vicadrostat) or dexfadrostat. Studies on BI 690517 showed a reduction in urine-albumin-creatinine ratio, indicating renal protection. ASIs may increase potassium levels. We conclude that ASIs have promising BP-lowering effects with very limited effects on cortisol production and offer reno-protective effects in chronic kidney disease. Studies on hypertensive target organ damage and cardiovascular outcomes are, however, lacking.