title: Use of aliskiren in Latin America in a real-world setting: aliskiren in Latin America Study (ALAS).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hypertension (HTN) is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease in Western countries, and disease control is of major relevance in order to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Different approaches have shown efficacy, and one of the proven therapies for HTN control is the blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which may be accomplished by means of various drugs with different modes of action. Aliskiren is a novel direct renin inhibitor that reduces both angiotensin I and II blood levels. Different randomized clinical trials (phase II and III) have shown its safety and efficacy either alone or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide. However, although aliskiren has been on the market for some years, reports on the post-marketing experience with aliskiren in the real-world setting are lacking.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Aliskiren in Latin America Study (ALAS) was designed with the aim of describing the effectiveness of aliskiren at reducing blood pressure (BP) values by prospectively assessing BP control in outpatient clinics in different countries in Latin America. A total of 435 sites in 5 Latin American countries (Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, and Venezuela) enrolled 4588 patients who had just been initiated on aliskiren (either alone or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide) based on their treating physicians' discretion, and they were followed for a 6-month period. Prior antihypertensive drugs could be continued if their doses were not modified along the study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of the follow-up period, a statistically significant reduction in BP values was observed, with a mean systolic BP reduction of 29.2 mmHg and a mean diastolic BP reduction of 13.78 mmHg from baseline at the 6-month visit.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The BP reduction levels and the low adverse event rate demonstrate the adequate efficacy and safety profile of aliskiren (alone or with hydrochlorothiazide).
authors.affiliation: Novartis Argentina, Ramallo 1851-Grecia, Ciudad Autonoma de Buenos Aires-CABA, Buenos Aires 1429, Argentina. sergio.volman@novartis.com
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Volman
authors.forename: Fernando Nicolas
authors.initials: FN
authors.lastname: Benitez
authors.forename: Harold
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cedenio
authors.forename: Mariano
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Giorgi
authors.forename: Nicolas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jaramillo
authors.forename: Nelys
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Molina
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zilberman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D000577:Amides / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005650:Fumarates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007843:Latin America; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult; D000092502:Renin Inhibitors
chemical_list: D000577:Amides; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D005650:Fumarates; D006852:Hydrochlorothiazide; D000092502:Renin Inhibitors; C446481:aliskiren
keywords: Latin America; aliskiren; hypertension; renin–angiotensin system