title: Aliskiren, the first direct renin inhibitor: assessing a role in pediatric hypertension and kidney diseases.
abstract: This article provides a review of the role of aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, in pediatric hypertension and kidney diseases. Among the many mechanisms involved in regulating blood pressure, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a major role. Additionally, the RAAS has been identified as a contributing factor to cardiovascular and renal diseases for more than three decades. The potential benefits of inhibiting the RAAS by aliskiren alone or in combination with other RAAS blockers (ACEIs, ARBs) seem to be theoretically promising. However, caution should be exercised in treating children, especially in those with significant chronic kidney disease until there is more evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of this new drug in the pediatric population from ongoing clinical trials.
authors: Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University School of Medicine, 2015 Uppergate Drive NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
authors: Shahid
authors: S
authors: Nadeem
authors: Donald L
authors: DL
authors: Batisky
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000577:Amides / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005650:Fumarates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012084:Renin-Angiotensin System; D000092502:Renin Inhibitors
chemical_list: D000577:Amides; D005650:Fumarates; D000092502:Renin Inhibitors; C446481:aliskiren