USE OF ACE-INHIBITORS IN DIABETIC AND NONDIABETIC PATIENTS WITH RENAL-DISEASE

Clinical studies have demonstrated the benefit of angiotensin-converti ng enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in retarding the progression of renal disea se, stabilizing or reducing urinary albumin excretion, and improving t he glomerular filtration rate beyond that attributable to their antihy pertensive effects. Based on their effectiveness in reducing the risks of diabetic nephropathy, ACE inhibitors are recommended as first-line therapy for all hypertensive diabetic patients with microalbuminuria or more advanced stages of renal nephropathy. They are similarly recom mended for nondiabetic patients with renal disease based on their effe ctiveness in slowing the progression of renal dysfunction in patients with various forms of renal disease.