title: Residual renal function in hemodialysis patients: the role of Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in its preservation.
abstract: Residual Renal function (RRF) has an important role in the overall morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. The role of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEi) in preserving renal function in chronic proteinuric nephropathies is well documented. We test the hypothesis that enalapril (an ACEi) slows the rate of decline of RRF in patients starting hemodialysis. A prospective, randomized open-label study was carried out. 42 patients were randomized in two groups either in treatment with enalapril or no treatment at all. Our study has proven that enalapril has a significant effect on preserving residual renal function in patients starting dialysis at least during the first 12 months from the initiation of the hemodialysis. Further studies are necessary in order to investigate the potential long-term effect of ACEi on residual renal function and on morbidity and mortality in patients starting hemodialysis.
authors: Nephrology Department, Venizeleio Hospital, 71409 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
authors: Dimitris
authors: D
authors: Xydakis
authors: Nephrology Department, Venizeleio Hospital, 71409 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
authors: Apostolos
authors: A
authors: Papadogiannakis
authors: Nephrology Department, Venizeleio Hospital, 71409 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
authors: Maria
authors: M
authors: Sfakianaki
authors: Nephrology Department, Venizeleio Hospital, 71409 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
authors: Konstantinos
authors: K
authors: Kostakis
authors: Nephrology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, Voutes, 71100 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
authors: Konstantinos
authors: K
authors: Stylianou
authors: Nephrology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, Voutes, 71100 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
authors: Ioannis
authors: I
authors: Petrakis
authors: Nephrology Department, Venizeleio Hospital, 71409 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
authors: Antonaki
authors: A
authors: Ergini
authors: Department of Biological Sciences, Molecular Medicine Research Center, University of Cyprus, University House "Anastasios G. Leventis," P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus.
authors: Konstantinos
authors: K
authors: Voskarides
authors: Nephrology Department, University Hospital of Heraklion, Voutes, 71100 Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
authors: Eugeneios
authors: E
authors: Dafnis