Biochemical and renal-metabolic profiles distinguishing primary aldosteronism from essential hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis with implications for endocrine hypertension screening - Report - MDSpire
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Differentiating Primary Aldosteronism from Essential Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Biochemical and Renal-Metabolic Profiles for Endocrine Hypertension Screening

  • By

  • Xuan Zhao

  • Caiyan Zhang

  • Chunxiu Yi

  • Xinyi Liu

  • Shujun Ding

  • Wen Zhang

  • Yajing Zhao

  • September 15, 2026

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Clinical Report: Differentiating Primary Aldosteronism from Essential Hypertension

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the biochemical and renal-metabolic profiles of primary aldosteronism (PA) compared to essential hypertension (EH). Key findings indicate significant differences in serum potassium, sodium, and uric acid levels.

Background

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a leading cause of secondary hypertension, affecting 5%-10% of the hypertensive population. Despite its prevalence, PA remains under-recognized, particularly in patients with stage 1 hypertension, as indicated by recent studies. Differentiating between unilateral and bilateral PA is crucial for determining appropriate treatment strategies.

Data Highlights

MeasurePA vs ControlsMean Difference
Serum PotassiumSMD = −1.15−0.49 mmol/L
SodiumSMD = 0.51+1.20 mmol/L
Uric AcidSMD = −0.23−20.7 μmol/L

Key Findings

  • PA is associated with significantly lower serum potassium compared to EH.
  • PA shows higher serum sodium levels relative to controls.
  • Uric acid levels are lower in PA compared to EH.
  • Unilateral PA exhibits lower potassium levels than bilateral PA.
  • Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) is elevated in PA.

Clinical Implications

Routine renal evaluations for patients with hypertension should include urinary albumin measurements alongside traditional filtration markers.

Conclusion

The findings highlight distinct biochemical profiles of PA.

Related Resources & Content

  1. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Incidence of Adrenal Masses Eventually Discovered in Patients Screened for Primary Aldosteronism
  2. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023 -- Primary Aldosteronism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
  3. Endocrine Reviews, 2023 -- Subtyping of Primary Aldosteronism by Adrenal Venous Sampling
  4. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 2026 -- Subclinical primary aldosteronism and major adverse cardiovascular events
  5. Primary Aldosteronism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline - PubMed, 2023
  6. Adrenal vein sampling versus CT scan to determine treatment in primary aldosteronism, 2016
  7. Cardiovascular events and target organ damage in primary aldosteronism compared with essential hypertension, 2017
  8. Primary Aldosteronism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline - PubMed
  9. Adrenal vein sampling versus CT scan to determine treatment in primary aldosteronism: an outcome-based randomised diagnostic trial.
  10. Cardiovascular events and target organ damage in primary aldosteronism compared with essential hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PubMed

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