Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition delays the progression of chronic renal failure in hypertensive patients with immunoglobulin A nephropathy.

Ten hypertensive, non-nephrotic patients with immunoglobulin (IgA) nephropathy treated with conventional therapy (vasodilators, beta-blockers, diuretics) were observed for 21.4 +/- 9 months. Treatment was then changed to an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor alone for an additional 22.6 +/- 9 months. The ACE inhibitor therapy was associated with a lower diastolic blood pressure and a slowing in the rate of decline in renal function, but no change in proteinuria.