[Hypertension due to unilateral parenchymatous nephropathy (author's transl)]

One hundred and eight patients suffering from hypertension due to a unilateral parenchymatous neophropathy were studied over a period of one to eight years after treatment was starded. The aetiologies were diverse: harmonious hypoplasia, segmental hypoplasia, pyelonephritis, reflux nephropathy, hydronephrosis and tuberculosis. Thirty nine patients were treated surgically, with 50% good results. In 82 cases medical treatment was continued for at least a year with a 52% success rate. Such success was recorded in 94% of cases in which beta-blockers were used (38 cases). Surgical success was not dependent upon the period for which hypertension had been present. The best results were seen in cases of hydronephrosis and pyelonephritis and the worst in tuberculosis. Thirteen patients underwent surgery event though there was no unilateral increase in plasma renin levels. Seven were improved or cured. Ten patients underwent surgery with a renin activity 50% greater than on the healthy side, 9 being improved or cured. Treatment with beta-blockers, alone or in association with diuretics, controlled blood pressure in 90% of cases, regardless of the renin activity. Plasma renin activity in the renal veins is of good prognostic value in terms of the effectiveness of nephrectomy against hypertension. In Call cases, beta-blockers were more effective than surgery.