Management of renin-angiotensin system blockade in patients with chronic kidney disease under specialist care. Retrospective cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Reduction of blood pressure and proteinuria by blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) has been the cornerstone of renoprotective intervention for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for many years.

AIMS

The aims were to check the use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and/or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) in CKD patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study analysing data from medical records of patients who received specialist care in 1996, 2001, 2006, 2011 in the Outpatient Unit.

RESULTS

The numbers of CKD subjects included in the four independent surveys were as follows: 190, 490, 1799, 1696. The usage of RAAS blocking agents overall increased significantly in subsequent years as follows: 25, 49, 63, 74%. Patients with proteinuria and cardiovascular complications and/or diabetes were receiving RAAS blocking agents more commonly than others. The use of ACEI and/ or ARB in stage 4-5 CKD increased in subsequent years. In 2011 dual RAAS blockade was used in 10% CKD patients overall and 19% patients presented proteinuria.

CONCLUSION

The use of RAAS blocking agents were increasing in CKD patients under specialist care between 1996-2011. The quality of the management was gradually improved.