Efficacy and safety of catheter-based renal denervation for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose To perform a comprehensive meta-analysis of all available evidence on the efficacy and safety of catheter-based renal denervation for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Methods We searched English and Chinese databases and calculated the weighted mean difference or standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals to estimate the efficacy and safety of renal denervation for heart failure. All relevant studies were screened and a meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4. Results A total of 11 studies were identified for the meta-analysis. For the primary outcomes, the results showed that renal denervation significantly improved ejection fraction (weighted mean difference 6.42), left ventricular end-systolic diameter (weighted mean difference −3.95), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (weighted mean difference −4.17) and left atrial diameter (weighted mean difference −4.09). For the secondary outcomes, renal denervation reduced the B-type natriuretic peptide level, heart rate, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. However, further analysis revealed that renal denervation improved heart function but did not further reduce the heart rate and blood pressure compared with the control group. Conclusion Treatment with renal denervation can significantly improve heart function and structure in patients with heart failure. In addition, the level of B-type natriuretic peptide can be reduced after renal denervation treatment. Renal denervation did not further reduce heart rate and blood pressure compared with the control group. Therefore, the treatment of heart failure with renal denervation is effective and safe.