Ultra-low-dose quadruple combination blood pressure lowering therapy in patients with hypertension: The QUARTET randomized controlled trial protocol()

Chow, Clara K.; Atkins, Emily R.; Billot, Laurent; Chalmers, John; Hillis, Graham S.; Hay, Peter; Neal, Bruce; Nelson, Mark; Patel, Anushka; Reid, Christopher M.; Schlaich, Markus; Usherwood, Tim; Webster, Ruth; Rodgers, Anthony

High blood pressure is the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality globally. Many patients remain on single-drug treatment with poor control although guidelines recognize that most require combination therapy for blood pressure control. Our hypothesis is that a single-pill combination of four blood pressure- lowering agents each at a quarter dose may provide a simple, safe and effective blood pressure lowering solution which may also improve long term-adherence. The QUARTET (Quadruple UltrA-low-dose tReaTment for hypErTension) double-blind, active controlled, randomized clinical trial will examine whether ultra-low-dose quadruple combination therapy is more effective than guideline recommended standard care, in lowering blood pressure. QUARTET will enroll 650 participants with high blood pressure, either on no treatment or on monotherapy. Participants will be randomized 1:1 and allocated to intervention therapy of a single pill (quadpill) containing irbesartan 37.5 mg, amlodipine 1.25 mg, indapamide 0.625 mg and bisoprolol 2.5 mg or to control therapy of a single identical appearing pill containing irbesartan 150 mg. In both arms step up therapy of open-label amlodipine 5 mg will be provided if BP is >140/90 at 6 weeks. The primary outcome is the difference between groups in the change from baseline in mean unattended automated office systolic blood pressure at 12 weeks follow-up. The primary outcome and some secondary outcomes will be assessed at 12 weeks, there is an optional 12 months extension phase to assess longer term efficacy and tolerability. Our secondary aims are to assess if this approach is safe, has fewer adverse effects and better tolerability compared to standard care control. QUARTET will therefore provide evidence for the effectiveness and safety of a new paradigm in the management of high blood pressure.