Long-term Impact of Alpha-blockers on Renal Function - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Introduction: Alpha-blockers are considered an additional option when the major antihypertensive drug classes are insufficient in reducing blood pressure. While the impact of alpha-blockers on blood pressure control seems comparable, data evaluating their effects on renal outcomes are lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis assess the impact on renal function from a medium to long-term perspective.

Methods: A search and analysis according to the PRISMA statement across Medline, the Web of Science, and ScienceDirect was conducted, covering articles in English on adult populations without time restrictions to December 14, 2023, including all types of studies with a minimum follow-up of 12 weeks.

Results: Seventeen studies were included in the review, encompassing a total of 26,170 patients treated with alpha-blockers. Most studies were performed in the 20th century and often lacked an adequate number of participants and sufficient follow-up duration. Bayesian meta-analysis showed neutral effects of alpha-blockers on eGFR and serum creatinine, comparable with those of other antihypertensive agents. Compared with baseline, the data suggests an overall small but clinically unimportant increase in creatinine clearance in patients treated with alpha-blockers (95% credible interval: 1.61 to 9.97 ml/min/1.73 m2).

Conclusion: A significant dearth of evidence concerning the long-term impact of alpha-blockers on renal function was revealed. The available evidence suggests that alpha-blockers have a neutral or non-inferior effect on renal function in comparison with other antihypertensive agents. Further research is needed to evaluate the role of alpha-blockers and their impact on preserving renal function.