Renin-angiotensin system blockade in biopsy-proven allograft nephropathy

Transplant Proc. 2003 Nov;35(7):2415-7. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2003.08.012.

Abstract

Allograft nephropathy leads to progressive renal injury and ultimate graft loss. In native kidney disease, the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) is beneficial in retarding the decline of renal function. We reviewed a cohort of renal transplant recipients who were prescribed either an ACEi or ARB for biopsy-proven allograft nephropathy. Patients were followed from time of initiation of ACEi/ARB and were stratified based on biopsy findings. Outcomes of interest included safety, allograft survival, renal function, and rate of renal function decline pre- and post-ACEi/ARB. The 5-year allograft survival after biopsy was 83%. Mean serum creatinine was 2.2 +/- 1.1 mg/dL (range 1.0 to 4.3) at time of biopsy and 2.6 +/- 1.2 mg/dL (1.2 to 6.5) at last follow-up. The mean slope of the creatinine versus time (SD) was 2.43 (7.93) in the 12 months prior to therapy and 1.45 (3.66) following therapy, with the absolute difference in slope -3.38 (6.06) (P =.0004). We conclude that treatment with ACEi/ARB is beneficial in the management of allograft nephropathy.

MeSH terms

  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Chronic Disease
  • Creatinine / blood
  • Creatinine / urine
  • Humans
  • Kidney Transplantation / pathology*
  • Postoperative Complications / classification
  • Postoperative Complications / pathology
  • Renin-Angiotensin System / drug effects*
  • Retrospective Studies

Substances

  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
  • Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Creatinine