Design and Statistical Aspects of the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK)

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) is a multicenter randomized clinical trial designed to test the effectiveness of three anti-hypertensive drug regimens and two levels of BP control on the progression of hypertensive kidney disease. Participants include African-American men and women aged 18 to 70 yr who have hypertensive kidney disease and GFR between 20 and 65 ml/min per 1.73 m2. The three anti-hypertensive drug regimens include an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ramipril), a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) or a beta-blocker (metoprolol) as initial therapy. The BP control levels are a lower goal (mean arterial pressure, ≤92 mmHg) and a usual goal (mean arterial pressure, 102 to 107 mmHg inclusive). The primary outcome is rate of change in renal function as measured by GFR, assessed by 125 I-iothalamate clearance. The main secondary patient outcome is a composite including the following events: (1) reduction in GFR by 50%, (2) end-stage renal disease, or (3) death. E-mail: jgassman@bio.ri.ccf.org