BACKGROUND

The management of hypertension remains suboptimal throughout the world.

METHODS

We performed a random-effects model meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness and safety of sacubitril/valsartan (LCZ696) for the treatment of high arterial pressure. Relevant published articles from PubMed, Cochrane base, and Medline were examined, and the last search date was December 2020. Only published randomized controlled trials and double-blind studies were selected for further analysis. The mean reductions in systolic blood pressure (msSBP) and diastolic blood pressure (msDBP) in the sitting position, as well as the mean reductions in ambulatory systolic blood pressure (maSBP) and ambulatory diastolic blood pressure (maDBP), were assumed as efficacy endpoints. Adverse events (AEs) were considered as safety outcomes.

RESULTS

Ten studies with a total of 5931patients were included for analysis. Compared with placebo, LCZ696 had a significant reduction in msSBP (weight mean difference (WMD) = -6.52 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI): -8.57 to -4.47; < 0.001), msDBP (WMD = -3.32 mmHg, 95% CI: -4.57 to -2.07; < 0.001), maSBP (WMD = -7.08 mmHg, 95% CI: -10.48 to -3.68; < 0.001), maDBP (WMD = -3.28 mmHg, 95% CI: -4.55 to -2.02, < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, only 200 mg and 400 mg LCZ696 showed a significant BP reduction. There was no difference in the AE rate between the LCZ696 and placebo groups (WMD = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.27, = 0.54). Egger's test revealed a potential publication bias for msSBP ( = 0.025), but no publication bias for other outcomes.

CONCLUSION

LCZ696 may reduce blood pressure more efficaciously than traditional therapy in hypertensive patients without increasing adverse effects.