Slowing the progression of renal failure

In recent years several multicentric prospective studies have demonstrated the efficacy of some therapeutic measures to slow the progression of renal diseases. Inhibition of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) both by ACE inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARA) is probably the strongest therapeutic alternative: The antiproteinuric effect of these drugs is an excellent surrogate marker and a predictor of the beneficial influences on the progression of renal failure. The type of renal disease, an inadequate control of blood pressure, and the presence of obesity may counteract the beneficial influences of RAS inhibition, whereas early treatment of all patients with significant proteinuria before the appearance of renal insufficiency and combined therapy with an ACEI and an ARA may augment it. Dietary protein restriction is a classic treatment of chronic renal insufficiency whose effectiveness has been validated by multicentric studies. However, a poor compliance of the patient and the risk of malnutrition with very strict protein restriction could limit the benefits of this treatment. Treatment of hyperlipidemia, prevention of obesity, avoidance of smoking, and regular physical exercise are interventions whose therapeutic potential is progressively recognized, particularly in type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Early correction of anemia may contribute to the slowing of renal disease progression. Although further studies are required, the accumulated evidence and the likelihood of additive beneficial effect of these therapeutic measures advise their combined implementation in patients with chronic renal diseases.