title: Aggressive versus Low Dose Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System for the Treatment of Microalbuminuria in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Pilot Study.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tareen
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Duran
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Aguilar
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Lee