title: A randomized clinical trial to determine the effect of angiotensin inhibitors reduction on creatinine clearance and haemoglobin in heart failure patients with chronic kidney disease and anaemia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chronic kidney disease is a common comorbidity in elderly patients with heart failure. Evidence supports the use of angiotensin inhibitors for patients with heart failure. However, there is little evidence with which to assess the risk and benefits of this treatment in elderly patients with renal dysfunction.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the efficacy and safety of angiotensin inhibitor reduction in patients with heart failure, chronic kidney disease and anaemia.
  
  
  METHODS
  Open randomized controlled clinical trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (Spain).
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients ≥ 50 years old, with heart failure, haemoglobin (Hb) < 12 mg/dl and creatinine clearance <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) admitted to hospital, in treatment with angiotensin inhibitors. Informed consent and Ethical Review Board approval were obtained.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 50% reduction of angiotensin inhibitor dose of the basal treatment on admission (n = 30) in the intervention group. Control group (n = 16) with the standard basal dose.
  
  
  METHODS
  Primary outcome was difference in Hb (gr/dl), creatinine clearance (ml/min/1.73 m(2) ) and protein C (mg/dl) between admission and 1-3 months after discharge. Secondary outcome was survival at 6-12 months after discharge.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients in the intervention group experienced an improvement in Hb (10.62-11.47 g/dl), creatinine clearance (32.5 ml/min/1.73 m(2) to 42.9 ml/min/1.73 m(2) ), and a decrease in creatinine levels (1.98-1.68 mg/dl) and protein C (3.23 mg/dl to 1.37 mg/dl). There were no significant differences in these variables in the control group. Survival at 6 and 12 months in the intervention and control group was 86.7% vs. 75% and 69.3% vs. 50%, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The reduction of the dose of angiotensin inhibitors in the intervention group resulted in an improvement in anaemia and kidney function, decreased protein C and an increased survival rate.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  EudraCT: 2008-008480-10.
authors.affiliation: Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, Universidade de A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pita-Fernández
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Chouciño-Fernández
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Juega-Puig
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Seoane-Pillado
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: López-Calviño
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pértega-Díaz
authors.forename: J-D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Pedreira-Andrade
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gil-Guillén
mesh_terms: D000740:Anemia / Q000150:complications*; D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003404:Creatinine / Q000652:urine*; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000172:deficiency*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000150:complications*; D013030:Spain
chemical_list: D057911:Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; D006454:Hemoglobins; D003404:Creatinine