RENAL-FUNCTION CHANGES IN MICROALBUMINURIC NORMOTENSIVE TYPE-II DIABETIC-PATIENTS TREATED WITH ANGIOTENSIN-CONVERTING ENZYME-INHIBITORS

OBJECTIVE - To determine the effects of captopril on microalbuminuria and renal function in normotensive type II diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS - A total of 26 patients were randomized in two homogeneous groups for clinical and analytical data in a 6-mo follow-up study. Group A received captopril (initial dose: 12.5 mg daily, increased according to tolerance); group B was untreated. RESULTS- Microalbuminuria decreased only in the treated group at 6 mo (P = 0.044) and a significant (P = 0.027) mean percentage change on microalbuminuria excretion between the groups was observed. Filtration fraction decreased in group A (baseline: 0.23 +/- 0.03; 6 mo: 0.22 +/- 0.04) and increased in group B (baseline: 0.22 +/- 0.04; 6 mo: 0.25 +/- 0.04) with a significant mean percentage change between the groups at 6 mo (P = 0.032). The mean percentage change in microalbuminuria was significantly correlated with a mean percentage change in diastolic blood pressure throughout the trial. Neither metabolic control nor sodium or protein intake changed in either group during the trial. CONCLUSIONS - These results suggest that captopril can help arrest microalbuminuria in normotensive type II diabetic patients, with a decrease in diastolic blood pressure and filtration fraction after a 6-mo treatment.