Abstract: Effect of Intensive Blood-Pressure Treatment on Patient-Reported Outcomes

Berlowitz, D.R., et al, N Engl J Med 377(8):733, August 24, 2017

BACKGROUND: The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) showed that a systolic blood pressure (SBP) target lower than 120 mm Hg (intensive treatment) led to lower rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality than a 140 mm Hg target (standard treatment). The impact of intensive treatment on patient-reported outcomes is unknown.

METHODS: This study coordinated at the Bedford (MA) Veterans Affairs Hospital assessed patient perceptions using data from SPRINT, a multicenter (n=102) trial of adults aged 50 or older with hypertension at baseline (SBP 130-180 mm Hg) and increased cardiovascular risk but without a history of diabetes or stroke who were randomized to intensive treatment (n=4678) or standard treatment (n=4683). Study endpoints were the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (Physical Component Summary score [PCS] and Mental Component Summary score [MCS] of 0-100, with higher scores indicating better health), Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item depression scale (PHQ-9, scored 0-27 with higher scores indicating worse depression), 5-point scale for patient satisfaction (from very satisfied to very dissatisfied), and 8-item scale for treatment adherence (with higher scores indicating better adherence).

RESULTS: SBP was 139.7 mm Hg at baseline, 121.4 mm Hg after intensive treatment, and 136.2 mm Hg after standard treatment. Baseline PCS was 44.6 and 44.8, respectively; MCS was 53.2 and 53.1; and PHQ-9 was 3.1 in both groups. Scores were stable and similar between groups throughout three years of follow-up, regardless of age and physical and cognitive function. Both groups were satisfied or very satisfied with their care (88% each), and adherence was similar (score of 8 in 44% each).

CONCLUSIONS: Patient-reported outcomes were similar with intensive versus standard SBP treatment among patients participating in SPRINT. 34 references (dan.berlowitz@va.gov for reprints)

Berlowitz, D.R., et al, N Engl J Med 377(8):733, August 24, 2017

BACKGROUND: The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) showed that a systolic blood pressure (SBP) target lower than 120 mm Hg (intensive treatment) led to lower rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality than a 140 mm Hg target (standard treatment). The impact of intensive treatment on patient-reported outcomes is unknown.

METHODS: This study coordinated at the Bedford (MA) Veterans Affairs Hospital assessed patient perceptions using data from SPRINT, a multicenter (n=102) trial of adults aged 50 or older with hypertension at baseline (SBP 130-180 mm Hg) and increased cardiovascular risk but without a history of diabetes or stroke who were randomized to intensive treatment (n=4678) or standard treatment (n=4683). Study endpoints were the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (Physical Component Summary score [PCS] and Mental Component Summary score [MCS] of 0-100, with higher scores indicating better health), Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item depression scale (PHQ-9, scored 0-27 with higher scores indicating worse depression), 5-point scale for patient satisfaction (from very satisfied to very dissatisfied), and 8-item scale for treatment adherence (with higher scores indicating better adherence).

RESULTS: SBP was 139.7 mm Hg at baseline, 121.4 mm Hg after intensive treatment, and 136.2 mm Hg after standard treatment. Baseline PCS was 44.6 and 44.8, respectively; MCS was 53.2 and 53.1; and PHQ-9 was 3.1 in both groups. Scores were stable and similar between groups throughout three years of follow-up, regardless of age and physical and cognitive function. Both groups were satisfied or very satisfied with their care (88% each), and adherence was similar (score of 8 in 44% each).

CONCLUSIONS: Patient-reported outcomes were similar with intensive versus standard SBP treatment among patients participating in SPRINT. 34 references (dan.berlowitz@va.gov for reprints)

Berlowitz, D.R., et al, N Engl J Med 377(8):733, August 24, 2017

BACKGROUND: The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) showed that a systolic blood pressure (SBP) target lower than 120 mm Hg (intensive treatment) led to lower rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality than a 140 mm Hg target (standard treatment). The impact of intensive treatment on patient-reported outcomes is unknown.

METHODS: This study coordinated at the Bedford (MA) Veterans Affairs Hospital assessed patient perceptions using data from SPRINT, a multicenter (n=102) trial of adults aged 50 or older with hypertension at baseline (SBP 130-180 mm Hg) and increased cardiovascular risk but without a history of diabetes or stroke who were randomized to intensive treatment (n=4678) or standard treatment (n=4683). Study endpoints were the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (Physical Component Summary score [PCS] and Mental Component Summary score [MCS] of 0-100, with higher scores indicating better health), Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item depression scale (PHQ-9, scored 0-27 with higher scores indicating worse depression), 5-point scale for patient satisfaction (from very satisfied to very dissatisfied), and 8-item scale for treatment adherence (with higher scores indicating better adherence).

RESULTS: SBP was 139.7 mm Hg at baseline, 121.4 mm Hg after intensive treatment, and 136.2 mm Hg after standard treatment. Baseline PCS was 44.6 and 44.8, respectively; MCS was 53.2 and 53.1; and PHQ-9 was 3.1 in both groups. Scores were stable and similar between groups throughout three years of follow-up, regardless of age and physical and cognitive function. Both groups were satisfied or very satisfied with their care (88% each), and adherence was similar (score of 8 in 44% each).

CONCLUSIONS: Patient-reported outcomes were similar with intensive versus standard SBP treatment among patients participating in SPRINT. 34 references (dan.berlowitz@va.gov for reprints)