Optimising treatment for mild systolic hypertension in the elderly - long-term follow-up
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN97503221 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN97503221 |
| Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) | 2016-004236-38 |
| Protocol serial number | 33014 |
| Sponsor | University of Oxford |
| Funders | National Institute for Health Research, British Heart Foundation |
- Submission date
- 06/03/2017
- Registration date
- 15/03/2017
- Last edited
- 06/08/2024
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Circulatory System
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
The population is getting older, with over 3 million people in the UK aged 80 years or older. This means that the number of people living with multiple illnesses and taking lots of tablets to manage these illnesses is increasing. High blood pressure is one of the most common medical conditions in older people and many take two or more drugs to treat it. Recent scientific studies suggest that large reductions in blood pressure and too many drug prescriptions may be associated with an increase in falls and death in older patients, particularly in those suffering from lots of medical conditions. This study aims to assess the safety of reducing the number of drugs prescribed to people aged 80 years or older who have blood pressure in a normal range and are taking two or more medications.
Who can participate?
People over 80 years old who are being prescribed two or more blood pressure medications.
What does the study involve?
Participants are randomly allocated by a computer to one of two groups. Those in the first group continue with their current medication for the duration of the study. Those in the second group have one medication, chosen by their GP, removed. Participants in this group are given the opportunity to measure their blood pressure at home, to see if taking fewer medications causes blood pressure to change. There is a 1 in 2 chance of being in the group taking fewer medications to lower blood pressure. The researcher will ask some questions about background and medical history as well as taking some measurements, including height, weight and blood pressure. Finally, participants are asked to complete some simple questionnaires about daily activities and general quality of life. Some patients may also be asked if these initial visits with the GP and trained researcher may be tape-recorded. This may happen whether the patient goes on to agree to take part in the trial or not. The recordings will help the research team to better understand what happens in these discussions and make sure patients are able to ask all the questions they need when deciding whether to take part in the trial. The trial will be conducted over 12 weeks and participants need to attend their GP surgery for follow-up appointments at week 4 (in the stopping medication group) and week 12 (a minimum of 3 visits to the GP surgery). The doctor may wish to book further appointments in addition to these. At each follow-up visit the participant has their blood pressure measured and depending on the reading, the GP or nurse may adjust the participant’s medication again. At the final visit (week 12), participants are asked to complete the same questionnaires completed at the first visit again.
The researchers also planned from the start of the study to do a longer-term follow-up of OPTiMISE patients to see whether there have been any differences in hospital admissions or the general health of participants associated with deprescribing over the 3 years since the last participant joined the trial. This longer-term follow-up involves a notes review for which participants have already consented and will be done via:
1. An in-person notes review at the practice, or
2. A remote notes review using EMIS-Anywhere Consult (were possible and appropriate) and/or via
3. The Oxford Royal College of General Practitioners Clinical Informatics Digital Hub (ORCHID) and/or
4. NHS Digital’s Patient Tracking Service
The researchers will gather information on health outcomes (such as hospital admissions) for everyone who took part in OPTiMISE. They will then look at the information to see if there are any differences between the participants in the “control” group, whose care did not change, with those participants in the “intervention” group who had one of their blood pressure medications removed. Participant identifiable data (name, date of birth, and NHS number) will be shared in a secure manner with NHS Digital to collect data on hospital admissions if they occur and participant health status. This information will be provided by NHS Digital via their patient tracking service and from primary care records (such as medical notes held by GPs).
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
If participants are in the group who are cutting down their medications, then they may benefit from a reduced risk of falls or other side effects which could affect their quality of life. For participants who continue as normal, there are no direct benefits of taking part. There is a risk that blood pressure may increase when patients stop taking one of their blood pressure medications but this is closely monitored.
Where is the study run from?
1. Thames Valley and South Midlands CRN (UK)
2. Wessex CRN (UK)
3. CRN Eastern (UK)
4. CRN West Midlands (UK)
5. CRN West of England (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
July 2016 to December 2024
Who is funding the study?
1. National Institute for Health Research (UK)
2. OPTiMISE longer-term follow-up funded by the British Heart Foundation (UK)
Who is the main contact?
Mrs Anne Smith, optimise@phc.ox.ac.uk
Contact information
Public
Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences
University of Oxford Radcliffe Primary Care Building
Radcliffe Observatory Quarter
Oxford
OX2 6GG
United Kingdom
| Phone | +44 (0)800 915 8543 |
|---|---|
| optimise@phc.ox.ac.uk |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Randomized; Both; Design type: Treatment, Process of Care, Drug, Management of Care, Qualitative; OPTiMISE X: long-term follow-up |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | OPtimising Treatment for MIld Systolic hypertension in the Elderly: a randomised controlled trial - long-term follow-up |
| Study acronym | OPTiMISE X |
| Study objectives | OPTiMISE: The aim of this study is to assess the safety of reducing the number of drugs prescribed to older people (defined as being aged 80 years or older) who have blood pressure in a normal range and are taking two or more blood pressure medications. Added 04/07/2022: OPTiMISE X - long-term follow-up: This is a longer-term follow-up of OPTiMISE participants to see whether there have been any differences in hospital admissions or the general health of participants associated with deprescribing over the 3 years since the last participant was randomised. We received research ethics approval for this longer-term follow-up and this involves a notes review for which participants have already consented. This will be achieved via: 1. An in-person notes review at the practice, or 2. A remote notes review using EMIS-Anywhere Consult (were possible and appropriate) and/or via 3. The Oxford Royal College of General Practitioners Clinical Informatics Digital Hub (ORCHID) and/or 4. NHS Digital’s Patient Tracking Service (added 20/07/2022) |
| Ethics approval(s) | 1. OPTiMISE X: Substantial amendment approved 13/01/2022, South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee 2. OPTiMISE: Approved 12/12/2016, South Central - Oxford A Research Ethics Committee, ref: 16/SC/0628 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Specialty: Primary Care, Primary sub-specialty: Ageing; UKCRC code/ Disease: Cardiovascular/ Hypertensive diseases |
| Intervention | Participants are randomised in a 1:1 ratio to medication reduction (intervention) vs usual care (control). Intervention arm: GP's will choose the most appropriate blood pressure medication to withdraw for those randomised to the medication reduction arm. Participants will be invited to self-monitor their blood pressure, reporting any consistently high readings to their GP (see specific self-monitoring guidance below). All individuals will be asked to attend a routine safety follow-up visit with their GP or nurse, four weeks (±2 weeks) after randomisation. Control arm: Participants receive usual care only for the duration of the study. All patients will attend a 12 week (±2 weeks) follow-up with the trial facilitator, either at their GP practice or at their home; the trial facilitator will repeat all measurements taken at baseline. After 12 week follow-up the trial will formally end, but passive long-term follow-up of mortality and hospital admissions will be undertaken via NHS Digital’s patient tracking service. |
| Intervention type | Other |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
Proportion of patients with controlled blood pressure levels is measured by taking blood pressure readings at baseline and 12 weeks. |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
1. Proportion of patients randomized to the intervention arm who maintain medication reduction throughout is assessed by asking the patient if they have taken any withdrawn medication since the baseline visit, at the 12 week appointment |
| Completion date | 31/12/2024 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Lower age limit | 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 540 |
| Total final enrolment | 569 |
| Key inclusion criteria | Added 04/07/2022: OPTiMISE X Current inclusion is all original OPTiMISE trial participants unless they have opted out of longer-term follow-up. OPTiMISE: Current inclusion criteria as of 04/05/2018, following HRA approval of Substantial Amendment 2 on 15/01/2018: 1. Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the trial 2. Male or female, aged 80 years or above 3. Clinic systolic blood pressure less than 150 mmHg (according to screening measurement at baseline – clinic blood pressure defined as the mean of the 2nd and 3rd readings taken at 1-minute intervals) 4. Prescribed two or more antihypertensive medications to lower blood pressure for at least 12 months prior to trial entry. Antihypertensive medications defined as any ACE inhibitor, angiotensin II receptor blocker, calcium channel blocker, thiazide and thiazide-like diuretic, potassium-sparing diuretic, alpha-blocker, beta-blocker, vasodilator antihypertensives, centrally acting antihypertensives, direct renin inhibitors, adrenergic neurone blocking drugs or loop diuretics. 5. Stable dose of antihypertensive medications for at least 4 weeks prior to trial entry. 6. In the Investigator’s opinion, could potentially benefit from medication reduction due to existing polypharmacy, co-morbidity, non-adherence or dislike of medicines and/or frailty (i.e. is different from those to which the results of the SPRINT trial are likely to apply)* 7. In the Investigator’s opinion, is able and willing to comply with all trial requirements. *GPs will be given training from the research team during the site initiation visit on the findings of the SPRINT trial and other relevant trials and how these apply to patients in their practice. Previous inclusion criteria: 1. Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the trial 2. Male or Female, aged 80 years or above 3. Clinic systolic blood pressure less than 150 mmHg (according to screening measurement at baseline – clinic blood pressure defined as the mean of the 2nd and 3rd readings taken at 1-minute intervals) 4. Prescribed two or more antihypertensive medications to lower blood pressure for at least 12 months prior to trial entry. Antihypertensive medications defined as any ACE inhibitor, angiotensin II receptor blocker, calcium channel blocker, thiazide and thiazide-like diuretic, potassium-sparing diuretic, alpha-blocker or beta-blocker. 5. Stable dose of current antihypertensive medications for at least 4 weeks prior to trial entry. 6. In the Investigator’s opinion, could potentially benefit from medication reduction due to existing polypharmacy, co-morbidity, non-adherence or dislike of medicines and/or frailty (i.e. is different from those to which the results of the SPRINT trial are likely to apply) 7. In the Investigator’s opinion, is able and willing to comply with all trial requirements |
| Key exclusion criteria | Exclusion criteria for the main trial: 1. A participant has heart failure due to LVSD and is on only ACE inhibitors/ARBs and/or beta-blockers and/or spironolactone (removing any of which would be contraindicated). 2. A participant has heart failure but has not had an echocardiogram since its onset (might have undiagnosed LVSD and a compelling need for ACEI/ARB and Betablockers). 3. Investigator deems that there is a compelling indication for medication continuation. 4. Suffered a myocardial infarction or stroke within the past 12 months. 5. Blood pressure being managed outside of primary care. 6. Secondary hypertension. 7. Previous accelerated or malignant hypertension. 8. Unable to provide consent unless a consultee is available to provide assent in cases of incapacity. 9. Any other significant disease or disorder which, in the opinion of the Investigator, may either put the participants at risk because of participation in the trial, or may influence the result of the trial, or the participant’s ability to participate in the trial (e.g. terminal illness, house bound and unable to attend baseline and follow up clinics). 10. Participants who have participated in another research trial involving antihypertensive medication in the past 4 weeks. Exclusion criteria for the qualitative study 1: Capacity to consent and participate in an interview. Exclusion criteria for the qualitative study 2: None |
| Date of first enrolment | 20/03/2017 |
| Date of final enrolment | 30/09/2018 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centres
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre
Windmill Road
Headington
Oxford
OX3 7LD
United Kingdom
Berrywood Business Village
Tollbar Way
Hedge End
Southampton
SO30 2UN
United Kingdom
Norwich
NR1 1QQ
United Kingdom
Birmingham Research Park
Vincent Drive
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2SQ
United Kingdom
Lewins Mead
Bristol
BS1 2NT
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | Yes |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Available on request |
| IPD sharing plan | The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are/will be available upon request from optimise@phc.ox.ac.uk |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Results article | results | 26/05/2020 | 27/05/2020 | Yes | No |
| Results article | long-term follow-up | 24/07/2024 | 06/08/2024 | Yes | No |
| Protocol article | protocol | 04/10/2018 | 29/10/2019 | Yes | No |
| HRA research summary | 28/06/2023 | No | No | ||
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
| Study website | Study website | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Editorial Notes
06/08/2024: Publication reference added.
20/07/2022: The study hypothesis and plain English summary were updated.
05/07/2022: The following changes were made to the trial record:
1. The plain English summary was updated accordingly.
2. British Heart Foundation was added as a funder.
3. Contact details updated.
04/07/2022: The following changes were made to the trial record:
1. The public and scientific title and the study design were updated to add "long-term follow-up".
2. The acronym was changed from OPTiMISE to OPTiMISE X.
3. The study hypothesis and inclusion criteria were updated.
4. Ethics approval details added.
27/05/2020: Publication reference and total final enrolment number added.
29/10/2019: Publication reference added.
04/01/2019: As a result of Substantial Amendment 4, approved 12/10/2018, the following changes have been made to the trial record:
1. Target number of participants: Additional wording added to allow recruitment past 540 participants.
2. Addition of another secondary outcome (now secondary outcome 5 in the list) to analyse diastolic blood pressure as well as systolic blood pressure.
3. The overall trial end date has been corrected to include the 5-year follow-up already described in the protocol, changed from 31/05/2019 to 31/12/2024.
4. Recruitment end date changed from 31/08/2018 to 30/09/2018.
5. As a result of the change to the overall trial end date the intention to publish date has been changed from 31/05/2020 to 31/12/2025.
04/05/2018: The following changes have been made:
1. The participant inclusion criteria have been changed.
2. CRN West Midlands and CRN West of England have been added as trial centres.
3. The plain English summary has been updated to include the additional trial centres.
