A recent study examining the representation of adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in clinical trials supporting the 2021 blood pressure (BP) guidelines reveals concerning disparities. After analyzing data, researchers found that while a substantial portion of adults with CKD had elevated systolic BP levels, only a minority met the eligibility criteria for major BP target trials such as SPRINT, ACCORD, and AASK. Specifically, less than a quarter of real-world adults with CKD and hypertension were considered trial-eligible, indicating potential limitations in the applicability of trial findings to the broader CKD population.
Jaejin An, PhD, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson of Medicine (KPSOM) Assistant Professor of Health System Science, and John J. Sim, MD, KPSOM Clinical Professor of Clinical Science, coauthored the article, “Representation of Real‐World Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease in Clinical Trials Supporting Blood Pressure Treatment Targets,” published by the Journal of the American Heart Association.
The findings underscore the importance of improving the representativeness of clinical trials to better reflect the characteristics of real-world patients with CKD. By ensuring greater inclusivity in trial enrollment, researchers can enhance the generalizability of trial results and provide more relevant treatment guidance for individuals with CKD and hypertension. Additionally, efforts to address disparities in trial participation may help bridge the gap between research findings and clinical practice, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with CKD.
