Aldosterone blockade in chronic kidney disease: Can it improve outcome?

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose of this review: The purpose of this review is to explain the rationale and limitations for use of mineralocorticoid receptor blockers (MRBs) for the treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its complications. Recent findings: Recent studies in animal models of CKD demonstrate that blockade of the mineralocorticoid receptor using spironolactone or eplerenone decreases inflammation, oxidative stress, proteinuria and glomerular and tubular injury. Patients with CKD are at very high risk for progression of kidney disease and major cardiovascular events. Recent studies in patients with CKD demonstrate that administration of low doses of MRBs added onto an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor-based regimen reduces proteinuria-a risk marker for both progressive kidney disease and cardiovascular events. However, incident hyperkalemia, an unwanted side effect, dampened enthusiasm for this approach. There are no large-scale, long-term outcome trials examining whether MRB can slow progression of kidney disease or prevent cardiovascular events. Summary: At this time it is unknown whether mineralocorticoid receptor blockade can improve outcomes in patients with CKD. To move this field forward and determine whether these agents can improve the lives of patients with kidney disease, novel strategies to prevent or ameliorate hyperkalemia are needed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)444-449
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent opinion in nephrology and hypertension
Volume19
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2010

Keywords

  • eplerenone
  • mineralocorticoid receptor
  • outcome trials
  • spironolactone

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Internal Medicine
  • Nephrology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Aldosterone blockade in chronic kidney disease: Can it improve outcome?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this