[Effect of combined captopril-spironolactone therapy of cardiac insufficiency on kidney function and serum electrolyte values].

Author investigated the safety of combined ACE inhibitor (captopril) and spironolacton therapy on 237 pts with severe heart failure (NYHA III-IV.) treated with digitalis and loop diuretic during on average 65.4 months follow-up period. Incidence of clinically significant increase in serum urea, creatinine and potassium level was evaluated and compared with those of in group treated 47 pts with the same standard therapy captopril, digitalis, furosemide, without spironolacton. There was no significant difference between the incidence of azotemia and hyperkalemia in the two groups. The author emphasizes on the base of their results the safety of combined captopril and low dose spironolactone therapy in heart failure.