Aliskiren Effect on Aortic Plaque Progression (ALPINE)

• Change in Normalized Total Aortic Wall Volume (TWV) Between the Trial Arms at the End of the Treatment [ Time Frame: Baseline and end of treatment ( 17 to 36 weeks) ]

  All patients underwent imaging using a 3T, MRI system. The MRI sequence method used for wall depiction was a 3D, fat suppressed, dark blood, turbo spin echo sequence with variable flip angles (SPACE). Following co-registration of pre and post treatment MR images, and generation of MPR sections, images were magnified, contrast adjusted and patient/exam identifier information was removed and replaced by pre-assigned code to blind images for measurements.

  An experienced observer performed manual measurements of lumen and lumen plus wall areas by delineating the inner border and the outer border of the vessel wall in each cross-section image of the aorta. Using an approach similar to intravascular atheroma volume calculations, normalized total aortic wall volume (TWV) for thoracic region, abdominal region and total aorta for each patient and each exam was generated.

  
  

• Change in the Percentage Wall Volume (PWV) Between Baseline and End of Treatment [ Time Frame: Baseline and end of treatment ( 17 to 36 weeks) ]
  Using an approach similar to intravascular atheroma volume calculations, percentage wall volume (PWV) for thoracic region, abdominal region and total aorta for each patient and each exam was generated. and a difference between baseline and end of treatment was calculated.
  
  

• Change From Baseline in Resting Diastolic Blood Pressure [ Time Frame: baseline to end of treatment ( up to 36 weeks) ]
  Difference between end of treatment and baseline in resting diastolic blood pressure
  
  

Treatments and Clinic Visits:

The 36-week double-blind, randomized treatment phase of the trial is preceded by 2-week single-blind placebo period to assess eligibility into the active treatment period, compliance, and to confirm the baseline blood pressure values of the enrolled subjects. If at the end of the single-blind phase, inclusion criteria will not be met, the participants will not be allowed to continue on to the trial. If they are eligible they will undergo baseline MRI studies after being randomized to either placebo or Aliskiren 150 mg, with an escalation to 300 mg at 2 weeks into treatment. This dose will be maintained for the duration of the trial. After randomization and dose escalation visits (at 2 weeks), patients will return for scheduled clinic visits at weeks 12 and 36. Assessment of routine safety measures including serum creatinine and potassium will be performed at pre-designated visits (randomization, drug escalation and end-of trial). At each study visit, after having the patient in a sitting position for 5 minutes, SBP/diastolic blood pressure will be measured 3 times in accordance with the AHA Committee Report on blood pressure determination. The patient will be then asked to stand for 2 minutes, and a single blood pressure measurement will be measured in the standing position. Evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) will be determined using the Romhilt-Estes scoring system at baseline. Specialized measurements of plasma including insulin, glucose measures, adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) and high- sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) will be performed at randomization and 12 weeks into the trial. Central aortic blood pressure assessment will be performed at randomization and end of trial/exit visits (SphygmoCor CP, AtCor Medical, Itaska, Illinois, USA). Plasma direct renin measurements will be obtained at baseline and 12 weeks in part to assess compliance of patients with their therapy (Diasource, Belgium).