Patients with elevated blood pressure (BP) represent a major problem for primary care physicians, not only because of the large number of these patients, but also because BP can prove frustratingly difficult to control in some of them. The management of treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH) is indeed a topic of considerable interest over the last few years, particularly since novel, non-pharmacological interventions held out the prospect of helping these patients. The theme of this mini-symposium was how currently available therapeutic tools can be used to manage ‘difficult-to-control’ patients with persistently elevated BP who may have apparent treatment resistance. To ensure that this symposium was relevant and practical, invited experts used a patient case in which treatment fails to control BP. One option in such a case might be to assume that the patient has apparent TRH. However, by looking at the case in more detail and carrying out a thorough clinical work-up, other factors such as pseudo-resistance or poor adherence might be playing important roles. The case was used to highlight the importance of investigating the reasons behind a patient’s failure to achieve BP control and the steps that can be taken to address these issues. Professor Josep Redòn introduced the clinical case and discussed the selection of appropriate management strategies and therapies. Estimation of the risk, based on the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) treatment guidelines, and details of the ongoing difficulties in reducing the patient’s elevated BP were also covered during his presentation. Professor Michel Burnier discussed in detail difficult-to-control BP and the need for clinical assessment. Among the topics covered were the patient’s referral to a specialist treatment centre, apparent resistance to modification/intensification of treatment, detailed investigation to rule out spurious resistant hypertension, assessment of treatment adherence, and development of a plan or management strategy to educate and motivate the patient and improve adherence to treatment. Professor Massimo Volpe discussed the ongoing management of difficult-to-control patients using strategies designed to favour adherence, including single-pill, fixed-dose combination (FDC) therapy. The meeting was concluded with an interactive discussion, in which the audience raised issues arising from the case presented; these included poor adherence, spurious TRH as a misdiagnosis, and the need for a thorough clinical assessment in order to identify the true cause of the failure to control BP.

This educational symposium provided an insight into the most current clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety of renin—angiotensin—aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASis) for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The programme provided an opportunity to discuss ways to optimise and maintain RAASis in this population by introducing CKD patient cases and the dilemmas of their clinical presentation, and novel treatment options, including benefits, harms, and potential consequences. Prof David C. Wheeler introduced the debate about the use of RAASis and the associated risk of hyperkalaemia in CKD patients. Prof Francesco Locatelli discussed the management of blood pressure (BP) in CKD and reviewed the most current guidelines for the prevention of hyperkalaemia in this population. Prof Adrian Covic presented the controversies around the use of RAASis in specific group populations. Survival, cardiovascular events (CVEs), and progression of CKD were the main points of his presentation. Finally, Prof David C. Wheeler discussed the latest research on novel therapies for the management of hyperkalaemia.

This symposium provided an excellent forum in which to discuss the global burden of hypertension (HTN), its challenges, and approaches to best management in new frontiers. The symposium speakers also reviewed recent data for clinical practice, especially those relevant for patients at high risk of HTN. The presentations were delivered within a highly interactive setting to facilitate audience questions and discussion. The symposium was opened by Prof Bryan Williams, who gave a description of the global burden of HTN, emphasising the need for effective, simplified treatment strategies and algorithms to effectively control blood pressure (BP). Prof Gordon Thomas McInnes then gave an overview of the challenges faced when treating HTN in the developing world and the best management practices of HTN adopted across different countries. HTN control in Latin America (LA) and the Caribbean region, and its opportunities and challenges was the subject of the next presentation given by Dr Jesús Isea-Pérez. Lastly, Dr Jorge Sison discussed HTN control in Asia and the Middle East, presenting real-world data in addition to a review of the latest clinical data on optimal management of HTN, and focussing on the use of single-pill combination (SPC) therapies. This engaging and interactive symposium was facilitated by multiplechoice questions posed by speakers, allowing audience participation via an electronic voting system. The meeting closed with a lively panel discussion and concluding remarks from Prof Bryan Williams. This truly international symposium brought together more than 550 delegates from across Europe and North America, Africa and the Middle East, Asia and Pacific regions, and Central and South America, with attendees representing a wide range of clinical and professional settings.

This satellite symposium was held in two sessions. The first session was offered in a traditional format where invited experts reviewed and discussed the latest concepts and developments on the management of erectile dysfunction (ED). During the second session, experts discussed clinical cases from their real-life practice in an interactive format, to facilitate discussions with the audience, and to provide participants with the most relevant aspects of ED. The symposium objectives were to review and discuss the current status of the management of ED and treatment needs for patients with ED, and to explore the latest evidence on the use of topical alprostadil cream (Vitaros®, Virirec®, Vytaros®)1 – who benefits the most?

The meeting was opened by Prof Atul Deodhar who introduced the prevalence, epidemiology, and clinical features of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and discussed the ongoing unmet needs in the management of axSpA. Prof Dirk Elewaut described the role of the interleukin-17 (IL-17) pathway in the pathogenesis of axSpA. Prof Dominique Baeten reviewed the latest clinical data from existing and emerging therapies for axSpA. Finally, Prof Xenofon Baraliakos discussed recent advances in the assessment of bone inflammation and structural damage in axSpA. Each discussion was followed by questions and answers. The meeting was concluded with an interactive final discussion between the panellists and the audience, with concluding remarks by Prof Atul Deodhar.