The effect of amlodipine and enalapril on blood pressure and neurohumoral activation in hypertensive patients with Ribbing's disease (multiple epiphysal dystrophy).

BACKGROUND

In patients with Ribbing's disease (RD)--a form of multiple epiphysal dystrophy--hypertension is frequent, often severe, and accompanied by a relevant cardiac dysfunction.

HYPOTHESIS

This study was undertaken to evaluate the contribution of the calcium antagonist amlodipine and of the angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor enalapril to blood pressure regulation by studying their effect on neurohormonal activation.

METHODS

Fifty hypertensive patients with RD were studied. After a placebo run-in period of 4 to 6 weeks, patients were randomly assigned to receive either amlodipine (10 mg once daily) or enalapril (20 mg once daily) for 6 months.

RESULTS

Both drugs significantly lowered blood pressure. Enalapril did not result in activation of the sympathetic system (as determined by measurement of the plasma norepinephrine level). On the other hand, the hypotensive effect of amlodipine occurred with an increase in heart rate and in the levels of plasma norepinephrine and angiotensin II.

CONCLUSION

It is unclear whether amlodipine may reduce cardiac dysfunction in patients with RD.