Aggressive versus Low Dose Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System for the Treatment of Microalbuminuria in Type 2 Diabetic Patients : A Pilot Study

Abstract EN

Objective.

This study compares low dose versus aggressive inhibition of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) to treat microalbuminuria (MA).

Methods.

Patients with MA after a run-in period to control BP to <130/80 mm Hg with 10 mg benazepril plus other drugs and HbA1c levels to <8.0% were randomized to either continue 10 mg benazepril (N=12) or to take maximal doses of benazepril plus losartan in monthly stepwise increases to achieve normoalbuminuria (N=11).

Because MA is associated with CVD and inflammation, carotid intima medial thickness (CIMT) and endothelial function by peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) as surrogate indices of atherosclerosis and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) to assess inflammation were measured every six months.

Results.

BP, HbA1c levels, albumin : creatinine ratios, CIMT, PAT, and hs-CRP did not differ over a mean of 12 months between the two groups.

Conclusions.

Aggressive inhibition of the RAS is unnecessary to treat MA.