RENAL SAFETY ASSESSMENT OF TELMISARTAN/S-AMLODIPINE SINGLE-PILL COMBINATION IN KOREAN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS: A MULTICENTER RETROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Objective: Telmisartan/S-Amlodipine (TEL/S-AML) single-pill combination (SPC) may effectively lower blood pressure (BP) lowering and exhibit renal protective effects, as angiotensin receptor blockers are acknowledged for such benefits. However, there is a scarcity of studies validating these effects in real-world settings. Herein, we assessed the BP-lowering effects and safety, with a specific focus on renal function, after over 6 months of administration in Korean hypertensive patients. Design and method: This study constitutes a non-interventional, multicenter, retrospective observational investigation that includes individuals diagnosed with essential hypertension and treated with the TEL/S-AML SPC for a period exceeding 6 months. We analyzed the serial changes in BP, serum electrolytes, and creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs). We additionally collected data on serious and other adverse events (AEs) and assessed their relationship to TEL/S-AML SPC. Results: A total number of 4,934 patients were enrolled in this study. Following the administration of TEL/S-AML SPC, both of systolic and diastolic BPs showed a significant decrease throughout the study period (Ps <0.05). AEs were reported in 352 cases among 282 subjects (5.72%), while serious AEs were reported 74 cases among 62 subjects (1.26%). Serious AEs with a potential relation to TEL/S-AML SPC were reported in 3 subjects (0.06%). No change in eGFR was observed over the study period. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that the TEL/S-AML SPC is effective in lowering BP and may contribute to the preservation of renal function, showing a low incidence of renal complications after over 6 months of administration in Korean hypertensive patients. These results provide support for the assertion that this agent is well-tolerated.