Aldosterone renin ratio and chronic kidney disease

As a component of the metabolic syndrome, hypertension (HTN) is increasing throughout the world with variable percentages, but mostly among developing world. Aldosterone plays a role in the relationship between aldosterone and nephropathy. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between aldosterone renin ratio (ARR) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Variables drawn from the computerized hospital information database were all patients who had an ARR above 35 (if aldosterone reading was above 300 pmol/L). A total of 1584 patients, of whom 777 were male and 807 were female, with a mean [standard deviation (SD)] of 43.3 (16.5) years were studied. The mean ARR was 210.1 (SD: 246.4) in males and 214.3 and 210.1 in females, P = 0.51. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 50.2 (SD 12.6); in males, it was 49.99 (0.90) and in females, it was 50.48 (0.92), P = 0.70. The regression model revealed a negative relationship between ARR and GFR with a coefficient of -2.08, 95% confidence interval: -4.6, 0.21, P = 0.07. CKD population with HTN tends to have a very high level of ARR, and those with advanced CKD have higher ARR. However, high ARR could have low eGFR and kidney dysfunction on follow-up. In view of high prevalence of noncommunicable disease and high early CKD population, there is an important need to consider comprehensive management strategies that involve the blockage of high renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and the use of mineralocorticosteroid receptor blockers.