Individual Titration for Maximal Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Proteinuric Patients

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Abstract
Agents that interfere with the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) reduce proteinuria and afford renal protection. The combination of different measures that serve maximization of RAS blockade is thought to improve the antiproteinuric efficacy. The feasibility and the efficacy of such a combination strategy were studied in nondiabetic patients with residual proteinuria during previous RAS blockade by individual antiproteinuric titration. Previous medication was replaced by irbesartan 300 mg combined with a diuretic. Lisinopril was added in increasing doses until a maximal dose of 40 mg/d. Titration stopped when target proteinuria (P < 0.02) on the maximal additional tolerated dose of lisinopril. The maximal dose of lisinopril was 10 mg in two of eight, 20 mg in two of eight, 30 mg in one of eight, and 40 mg in three of eight patients. At this dose, target proteinuria of 5.5 mmol/L), one of whom had >50% increase of serum creatinine; and one had dizziness. In conclusion, individual titration for maximal RAS blockade, entailing dose titration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors on top of high-dose angiotensin II antagonists with diuretic, induces further reduction of residual proteinuria. However, this occurs at the expense of adverse events. To further improve renoprotective treatment strategies, it is important to explore other modes of antiproteinuric intervention in patients with residual proteinuria during RAS blockade.