Progression of chronic renal failure in man is retarded with more frequent clinical follow-ups and better blood pressure control.

In 17 patients with chronic renal failure (creatinine clearance 12-66 ml/min) who entered a prospective study, clinical and laboratory check-ups were made once a month. This was much more frequent than during the preceding 2-year period. The progression rate of renal failure evaluated from the change with time in the reciprocal of serum creatinine and creatinine clearance, respectively, was significantly slower after entering the study than before, without any dietary intervention having been instituted. The retardation of progression was associated with improved blood pressure control. We conclude from this study that the frequency and presumably the quality of the clinical check-ups, especially with regard to control of hypertension, may favorably influence the progression of chronic renal failure, independently of the protein intake. This may have important implications for the design of randomized studies, aimed at assessing whether a lowering of protein intake may retard progression.