[Angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor enalapril in treatment of progressive chronic nephropathy. An open randomized controlled trial].

In order to study the influence of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition on the progression of chronic nephropathy, 70 patients with a median glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 15 (range, 6 to 54) mL/min/1.73 m2 were randomised in an open study to basic treatment with enalapril or conventional antihypertensive treatment. The patients were followed for at least two years or until they needed dialysis. The therapeutic goal, was a blood pressure of 120 ti 140/80 to 90 mmHg. In the enalapril group, the median decline in GFR was -0.20 (range, +0.18 to -7.11) mL/min/1.73 m2/month, and in the control group, it was -0.31 (+0.01 to -1.97) mL/min/1.73 m2/month (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in blood pressure between the groups. Thus, the progression of moderate to severe chronic nephropathy was slower on a basic treatment with enalapril as compared to conventional antihypertensive therapy.