Effect and safety of LCZ696 in the treatment of hypertension: A meta-analysis of 9 RCT studies

BACKGROUND: LCZ696 has been introduced in patients with hypertension in several trials. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect and safety of LCZ696 in hypertensive patients. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched to identify the available randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect and safety of LCZ696 in hypertension patients. The last search date was October 31, 2018. RESULTS: Nine RCTs with 6765 subjects were finally included, in which 8 trials compared the effect and safety between LCZ696 and angiotensin receptor antagonists (ARBs). Evidences showed LCZ696, compared with ARBs, achieved a better blood pressure control rate (OR 1.24, 95% CI: 1.14–1.35), specifically, LCZ696 were better at reducing systolic blood pressure [WMD −4.11 mmHg, 95% CI: (−5.13, −3.08) mmHg], diastolic blood pressure [WMD −1.79 mmHg, 95% CI: (−2.22, −1.37) mmHg], mean 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure [WMD −3.24 mmHg, 95% CI: (−4.48, −1.99) mmHg] and mean 24-hour ambulatory diastolic blood pressure [WMD −1.25 mmHg, 95% CI: (−1.81, −0.69) mmHg]. There was no difference in the events of adverse events (risk ratio [RR] 1.01, 95% CI: 0.39–1.09), serious adverse events (RR 0.80, 95% CI: 0.52–1.22) and discontinuation of treatment for any adverse events (RR 0.79, 95% CI: 0.56–1.11) between LCZ696 group and ARB/placebo group, except LCZ696 reduced the rate of headaches (RR 0.69, 95% CI: 0.48-0.99) while increased cough (RR 2.12, 95% CI: 1.11–4.04; P = .02; I(2) = 25%). CONCLUSION: Our finding provides evidence that LCZ 696 was more effective than ARB on blood pressure control and was safe enough in patients with hypertension.