Management of Hypertension in Renal Transplant Patients: A Comprehensive Review of Nonpharmacologic and Pharmacologic Treatment Strategies

OBJECTIVE: To review the guidelines and literature for the treatment of hypertension in renal transplant patients and to provide guidance to practitioners in the selection of appropriate nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment options. DATA SOURCES: A PubMed search (January 1948 March 2010) was performed using the search terms hypertension, antihypertensive agents, blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, in combination with renal transplant and kidney transplant. The search was limited to articles published in English. All relevant peer-reviewed original studies, meta-analyses, guidelines, consensus statements, and review articles were examined. In addition, reference citations from publications identified were reviewed. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All literature found was evaluated for inclusion. Review articles as well as prospective and retrospective original research articles were reviewed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Hypertension after solid organ transplantation is a problem commonly encountered in patients during their posttransplantation clinic visits. Effective management of these patients' hypertension is crucial, as hypertension left untreated may lead to increased morbidity and mortality as well as graft loss. The unique, multifactorial etiology of hypertension in this population makes treatment choices more challenging compared to treatment of a nontransplant patient. Therefore, to guide practitioners in this process, we developed a hypertension management protocol, taking into account the unique considerations faced in the adult renal transplant population. The review guides practitioners from the initial assessment of patients' hypertension through the evaluation and selection of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment options and provides information about the discontinuation of certain antihypertensive medications. It also provides a concise, but comprehensive review of the major antihypertensive drug classes and economic considerations. CONCLUSIONS: The management of hypertension in posttransplantation patients is challenging and complicated, yet necessary to prevent morbidity, mortality, and graft loss for these patients. Therapy should be individualized based on patient assessment, response to previous therapy, and economic considerations.