Anaemia due to ACE inhibitors and losartan in patients with renal failure.

(1) Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) can cause or aggravate anaemia in patients with chronic renal failure (especially those on dialysis) and in renal graft recipients. (2) In these settings, ACE inhibitor therapy can increase epoetin consumption. (3) Similar reports have been made with losartan, an angiotensin II receptor antagonist. (4) The risk-benefit ratio of ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor antagonists in patients with chronic renal failure should be regularly reassessed.