LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF ACE-INHIBITORS ON THE ERYTHROCYTOSIS IN RENAL TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Erythrocytosis is infrequently seen in renal transplant recipients. Bo th theophylline and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors hav e been reported to decrease the elevated hematocrit (Hct) and hemoglob in (Hgb) levels. We studied the efficacy of the ACE inhibitors ramipri l (n=6) and enalapril (n=1) in seven stable renal transplant recipient s. Although the ACE inhibitors significantly reduced the elevated Hct and Hgb levels during the short and long term (Hct 53 +/- 1 vs 48.8 +/ - 0.7%; Hgb 17.8 +/- 0.4 vs 16.7 +/- 0.3 vs 16.7 +/- 0.3 gm/dl, at 1 y ear), the clinical significance of these reductions remains unknown. D uring therapy there were no significant changes in the blood pressure, serum creatinine and potassium levels and the medications were well t olerated.