Risk Factors Associated with Persistent Postoperative Hypertension in Functional Adrenal Tumors

Lee, Kwang Suk; Yoo, Eun Sang; Kwon, Tae Gyun

Abstract

PURPOSE: Adrenal hypertension accounts for about 1% of all patients with hypertension, and can be cured with an adrenalectomy. However, hypertension persists in a considerable number of patients, even after an adrenalectomy. The aims of our study were to assess the results of an operation for adrenal hypertension and to evaluate the potential risk factors for persistent hypertension.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between January 1997 and December 2001, a total of 38 patients with benign adrenal tumors, who underwent an adrenalectomy for preoperative hypertension, were included in this study. The medical records, including exact history, clinical features, and preoperative and postoperative blood pressure levels were retrospectively reviewed.
RESULTS
During a mean follow-up of 45.6 months, ranging from 15 to 86 months, the blood pressure normalized after the operation in 23 patients (60.5%). 15 patients (39.5%), including 9 who required less intensive post- than pre-operative medication had persistent hypertension. The patient age at the time of the operation was the only significant factor associated with persistent postoperative hypertension (p<0.05). There was no relationship between persistent postoperative hypertension and gender, degree and duration of preoperative hypertension, tumor size or surgical pathology.
CONCLUSIONS
The success in reversing hypertension after an adrenalectomy for a benign adrenal tumor is strongly related to the patient age at the time of the operation