Effect of telmisartan on kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease: an observational study

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Pharmacology
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a growing global health burden, contributing significantly to mortality and disability.
• The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system plays a key role in the progression of CKD.
• Understanding effective treatments for CKD in diverse populations is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of telmisartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), in Indian patients with CKD.
• To assess the impact of telmisartan on proteinuria, renal function, and blood pressure in a real-world clinical setting.
• To determine the tolerability of telmisartan in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study involving 56 adult patients diagnosed with CKD.
• Treatment involved daily administration of telmisartan (40 mg).
• Key parameters monitored included serum creatinine, 24-hour urinary protein, urine protein-to-creatinine ratio, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and blood pressure (BP).

Main Results:

• 55 patients completed the 3-month study; 96.36% were hypertensive and 63.61% were diabetic.
• Significant reductions were observed in 24-hour urinary protein (806.78 mg), urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (0.95), serum creatinine (0.44 mg/dl), and blood pressure (8.9/4.7 mmHg).
• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) increased from a mean of 52.13 to 65.01 ml/min. Telmisartan was generally well-tolerated, with one discontinuation due to hyperkalemia.

Conclusions:

• Telmisartan demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing proteinuria in Indian patients with CKD.
• The study supports the safe and effective use of telmisartan for managing CKD.
• Telmisartan improved renal function markers and blood pressure control in this patient population.