Antiproteinuric Effect of Sulodexide versus Losartan in Primary Glomerulonephritis

Abstract

Introduction: Limited data are available for the use of sulodexide in primary glomerulonephritis (GN). Objective: We studied the efficacy of sulodexide compared to losartan in patients with primary GN. Design and Method: This was a prospective, open labelled, randomized control trial in patients with stable primary GN. Patients were randomized to receive either sulodexide or losartan to maximum tolerated doses for 12 weeks. Blood and urine investigations were measured at baseline and at 4-weekly intervals. Adverse effects were recorded. Results: 18 patients were recruited (10-sulodexide and 8-losartan). Their baseline characteristics were comparable. At end study, patients in both groups showed no significant reduction in proteinuria and there were no differences between groups at each visit. Nonetheless, there was a trend towards lower protein uria in the losartan but not in sulodexide group. There were no changes in the other parameters of renal function or of coagulation over time. No adverse events in particular clinical bleeding occurred. Conclusion: Sulodexide and losartan did not demonstrate any significant anti-proteinuric effect in primary GN. Nevertheless, there was a trend of better proteinuria reduction in losartan group. Furthermore, other renal parameters were not significantly affected by both drugs.