[Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system to prevent target organ damage: the "renal continuum"].

Abstract

Similar to the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, primary and secondary renal diseases are also characterised by a "continuum". The "renal continuum" comprises the initial immunologic, metabolic or hemodynamic insult which, through progressive glomerular and interstitial renal damage, results in end stage renal failure. The rennin-angiotensin system plays a pivotal role in the progression of renal disease. We use diabetic nephropathy to demonstrate the clinical benefits that can be attained by administering inhibitors of the rennin-angiotensin system in more and more progressive stages of the diabetic "renal continuum". Evidence from clinical trials among diabetic patients attest to the notion that specific inhibition of the rennin-angiotensin system provides a benefit that is above what could be expected from the blood pressure lowering effects of these drugs alone.

• Authors: András Tislér
• Journal: Orvosi hetilap (Orv Hetil) Vol. 144 Issue 18 Suppl 1 Pg. 898-901 (May 04 2003) ISSN: 0030-6002 [Print] Hungary
• Vernacular Title: A renin-angiotenzin rendszer gátlása a célszervkárosodások megelózésében: a "renalis continuum".
• PMID: 12785234 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Topics

• Cardiovascular Diseases (complications, physiopathology, prevention & control)
• Diabetes Complications
• Disease Progression
• Humans
• Hypertension (complications)
• Kidney Diseases (etiology, physiopathology, prevention & control)
• Kidney Failure, Chronic (prevention & control)
• Renin-Angiotensin System (drug effects, immunology)
• Risk Factors