Discontinuation of steroids in ABO-incompatible renal transplantation.

A steroid-free protocol for ABO-compatible renal transplantation has been used at our center since 1983. To minimize the adverse effects of steroids, we also developed a steroid sparing protocol for ABO-incompatible renal transplantation in 2008. The present study is a report of our results.

Short and Long-Term Effects of the Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker Irbesartan on Intradialytic Central Hemodynamics: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled One-Year Intervention Trial (the SAFIR Study).

Background And Aim: Little is known about the tolerability of antihypertensive drugs during hemodialysis treatment. The present study evaluated the use of the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) irbesartan.

Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, one-year intervention trial.

Angiotensin blockade and progressive loss of kidney function in hemodialysis patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) declines during long-term dialysis treatment. In peritoneal dialysis, blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system reduces GFR decline. Observational studies suggest that similar treatment may preserve kidney function in hemodialysis (HD).

No significant effect of angiotensin II receptor blockade on intermediate cardiovascular end points in hemodialysis patients.

Agents blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are frequently used in patients with end-stage renal disease, but whether they exert beneficial cardiovascular effects is unclear. Here the long-term effects of the angiotensin II receptor blocker, irbesartan, were studied in hemodialysis patients in a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled 1-year intervention trial using a predefined systolic blood pressure target of 140 mm Hg (SAFIR study). Each group of 41 patients did not differ in terms of age, blood pressure, comorbidity, antihypertensive treatment, dialysis parameters, and residual renal function.

[Chronic left heart failure. A focus on the pathogenetic basis of medical treatment].

Chronic left heart failure is the result of the activation of pathophysiological mechanisms which over time lead to progressive deterioration of the cardiac function. As pharmacotherapy aims at these mechanisms and as treatment possibilities are increasing, we find it relevant to provide a survey. Treatment evidence is based mainly on systolic dysfunction.