The aldosteronoma resolution score: predicting complete resolution of hypertension after adrenalectomy for aldosteronoma.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a prediction model using information readily available, at clinical presentation, which could determine whether patients with aldosterone-producing adenomas would have complete resolution of hypertension after adrenalectomy.


BACKGROUND
Primary aldosteronism is the most common curable cause of secondary hypertension. However, a large number of patients continue to require antihypertensive medications to control their blood pressure. Differentiating patients that will have complete resolution of hypertension without the need for antihypertensive medications from patients that will require continued use of antihypertensive medications is difficult before adrenalectomy.


METHODS
The predictive logistic regression model was derived using data on 100 patients who underwent adrenalectomy for primary aldosteronism at one tertiary medical center and was externally validated using an independent series of 67 patients from another center.


RESULTS
Clinical features were similar for patients in the derivation and validation groups. Four readily available predictors (2 or fewer antihypertensive medications, body mass index < or =25 kg/m, duration of hypertension < or =6 years, and female sex) yielded the best predictive model for complete resolution of hypertension after adrenalectomy. Based on the resulting 4-item aldosteronoma resolution score (ARS), 3 likelihood levels for complete resolution were identified: low (0-1), medium (2-3), and high (4-5) with a predictive accuracy of 27%, 46%, and 75%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The ARS accurately identifies individuals at low (ARS < or =1) or high (ARS > or =4) likelihood of complete resolution of hypertension without further need of lifelong antihypertensive medications after adrenalectomy for aldosteronoma. This scoring system can help clinicians objectively inform patients of likely clinical outcomes before surgical intervention.
Zarnegar
Rasa
R
Department of Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10021, USA. raz2002@med.cornell.edu
Young
William F
WF
Lee
James
J
Sweet
Matthew P
MP
Kebebew
Electron
E
Farley
David R
DR
Thompson
Geoffrey B
GB
Grant
Clive S
CS
Clark
Orlo H
OH
Duh
Quan-Yang
QY
D000306:Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D000315:Adrenalectomy; D018246:Adrenocortical Adenoma / Q000601:surgery*; D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000628:therapy*; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors