The Effect of Discontinuation of Angiotensin-II Receptor Blocker on Therapeutic Effect of Synthetic Erythropoietin on Anemia Modification in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of discontinuation of losartan in response to synthetic erythropoietin therapy on hemoglobin level in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Methods & Materials This study was a pre-and post-interventional clinical trial. The population of the study was hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure. In the beginning of the study, and three months after removal of losartan, the patients’ hemoglobin changes were compared. Findings Hemoglobin was significantly increased at the end of the study in all patients (from 10.90±1.66 at the beginning of the study to 11.37±1.42g/dl at the end of 3 months, P=0.046). No significant changes were seen in the hemoglobin level before and after intervention between patients according age, sex, and duration of the disease. Conclusion There was a significant increase in hemoglobin level at the end of study after losartan discontinuation. But this increase did not have a significant relationship with patient’s age, sex as well as the duration of the disease.