Evaluation of the risk of hypertension in patients treated with anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies in a real-life study

Neurol Sci. 2024 Apr;45(4):1661-1668. doi: 10.1007/s10072-023-07167-z. Epub 2023 Nov 6.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the rate of hypertension incoming in patients treated with monoclonal antibodies against the calcitonin gene-related peptide.

Background: The monoclonal antibodies blocking the calcitonin gene-related peptide are unquestionable effective in the prevention of migraine. Despite this, the development of hypertension has been detected in some patients.

Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at the University Hospital of Modena. Patients were visited quarterly up to 1 year.

Results: Globally, no significant increase in the blood pressure was detected. The 5.7% of the patients developed a significant increase in their blood pressure. In particular, patients with a pre-existing hypertension were more likely to have a significant increase in the blood pressure.

Conclusion: The risk of developing hypertension during a treatment with anti-calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies seems low. Anyway, patients with a pre-existing hypertension should be cautiously monitored because they are more likely to develop hypertension.

Keywords: Blood pressure; Erenumab; Fremanezumab; Galcanezumab; Migraine.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal* / adverse effects
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hypertension* / drug therapy
  • Hypertension* / epidemiology
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Receptor Antagonists