Urate-lowering therapy with allopurinol does not lower systolic BP, Finds study

Study outcome measures were change in systolic BP from baseline, endothelial function estimated as flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels. Adverse events were assessed.

The following findings were highlighted-

a. Ninety-nine participants were randomized, and 82 completed all visits.

b. The mean ± SD age was 28.0 ± 7.0 years, 62.6% were men, and 40.4% were African American.

c. In the primary intent-to-treat analysis, systolic BP did not change during the allopurinol treatment phase (mean ± SEM −1.39 ± 1.16 mm Hg) or placebo treatment phase (−1.06 ± 1.08 mm Hg).

d. FMD increased during allopurinol treatment periods compared to placebo treatment periods (mean ± SEM 2.5 ± 0.55% versus −0.1 ± 0.42%; P < 0.001).

e. There were no changes in hsCRP level and no serious adverse events.

Hence, the authors concluded that "urate-lowering therapy with allopurinol does not lower systolic BP or hsCRP level in young adults when compared with placebo, despite improvements in FMD. These findings do not support urate lowering as a treatment for hypertension in young adults."