AstraZeneca beta-blocker shows promise in hypertensive children

This study adds to the established data on Toprol-XL (metoprolol succinate) in the treatment of hypertension in adults. Hypertension affects one in three adults and approximately one in 100 children in the US.

The trial was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel group study of 144 children, ages six to 16, with primary hypertension. Each patient was randomized to one of four treatment arms for four weeks and systolic blood pressure served as the primary measure.

The mean systolic blood pressure was reduced with Toprol-XL (low/medium/high doses pooled) by 6.2mm Hg versus placebo 1.9mm Hg. In terms of the beta-blocker’s safety profile, none of the patients receiving Toprol-XL required discontinuation because of an adverse event.

“Hypertension in children is becoming increasingly common, in part related to the rise in childhood obesity,” said lead investigator Dr Bonita Falkner, of the department of medicine and pediatrics at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia and chair of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program working group on high blood pressure in children and adolescents. “This study helps fill an unmet need by exploring new treatment options for children with hypertension.”