Whether immunosuppressive therapy may have beneficial effects in the treatment of IgA nephropathy remains controversial. ACE inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor antagonist(AIIA) are suggested to reduce urinary protein excretion(Up) in patients with renal diseases. We therefore investigated the effects of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist losartan on the proteinuria and renal function in patients with IgA nephropathy. AIIA reduced blood pressure in patients with hypertension, but there were no significant differences statistically before and after therapy. AIIA reduced Up after 1-4 months(2.8+/-1.1 to 1.1+/-1.0g/24h, p=0.001) and 7-13 months(2.8+/-1.1 to 1.7+/-0.6g/24h, p=0.017). There were no significant changes of serum creatinine levels after AIIA treatment. Cough or angioedema were not observed during AIIA treatment. In conclusion, AIIA may be useful in the treatment of patients with IgA nephropathy and proteinuria.
Angioedema ; Angiotensin II* ; Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists* ; Angiotensins* ; Blood Pressure ; Cough ; Creatinine ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Losartan ; Proteinuria ; Receptors, Angiotensin*