Complementary effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease

Am Heart J. 2009 Jun;157(6 Suppl):S7-S16. doi: 10.1016/j.ahj.2009.04.008.

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease continue to pose major healthcare challenges. Early initiation of therapy aimed at slowing the progression of CKD is essential. Increased renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system activity and, in particular, elevated levels of angiotensin II (AII) play important roles in the development and progression of CKD. Therefore, pharmacologic therapies that block the effects of AII and reduce its pathogenic effects are cornerstones of clinical management. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have been shown to have renoprotective effects in addition to their ability to control blood pressure. There is accumulating clinical evidence that the combination of an ACEI and an ARB provides greater renal protection, particularly in decreasing proteinuria, than does either agent alone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists*
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Disease Progression
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / epidemiology
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / prevention & control
  • Kidney Function Tests
  • Male
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Receptors, Angiotensin / administration & dosage
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / diagnosis*
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / mortality
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Survival Analysis
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Receptors, Angiotensin