Antagonists of aldosterone and proteinuria in patients with CKD: an uncontrolled pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Experimental evidence suggests that aldosterone may contribute to progressive kidney disease. Although angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin type 1 receptor antagonists (ARBs) suppress the renin-angiotensin system, these agents do not adequately control plasma aldosterone levels. Hence, administration of aldosterone receptor antagonists may provide additional renal benefits to the ACE inhibitors and ARBs.


METHODS
In the present uncontrolled pilot study, we evaluate the short-term (8 weeks) effects of spironolactone on proteinuria in 42 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) already treated with ACE inhibitors and/or ARBs.


RESULTS
Spironolactone (25 mg/d for 8 weeks) decreased proteinuria from protein of 2.09 +/- 0.16 to 1.32 +/- 0.08 g/24 h after 2 weeks and 1.05 +/- 0.08 g/24 h after 8 weeks. Four weeks after discontinuation of spironolactone therapy, proteinuria returned to close to baseline values. Baseline proteinuria correlated significantly with plasma aldosterone level (r = 0.81; P < 0.0001). Moreover, baseline aldosterone level correlated significantly with degree of reduction in proteinuria after treatment with spironolactone (r = 0.70; P < 0.0001). Spironolactone caused a significant increase in serum potassium levels (from 4.4 +/- 0.1 mEq/L [mmol/L] at baseline to 4.8 +/- 0.1 mEq/L [mmol/L] after 8 weeks of treatment; P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that spironolactone may effectively reduce proteinuria in patients with CKD. Concerns remain in regard to the risk for hyperkalemia in patients with CKD. Prospective randomized trials are necessary to confirm the efficacy and safety of antagonists of aldosterone on proteinuria and progression of CKD.
Bianchi
Stefano
S
Unità Operativa Nefrologica, Spedali Riuniti di Livorno, Livorno, Italy.
Bigazzi
Roberto
R
Campese
Vito M
VM
D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004039:Diet, Sodium-Restricted; D018450:Disease Progression; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005919:Glomerular Filtration Rate / Q000187:drug effects; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000652:urine*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D012306:Risk; D013148:Spironolactone / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D047228:Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D004232:Diuretics; D000451:Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists; D013148:Spironolactone