Prevention of progression in non-diabetic chronic renal failure

We have performed separate randomized prospective controlled studies on the effects of protein-restricted diet and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition on the rate of progression of non-diabetic renal failure. Renal function was assessed by creatinine clearance, reciprocal of plasma creatinine concentration and 51Cr-EDTA clearance. A protein-restricted diet (0.4 g per kg) resulted in a significantly lower rate of progression, as assessed by the slope of these parameters with time, when compared with a standard diet. ACE inhibition, when assessed by a mixed effect model, also significantly reduced the rate of progression. The many variables involved hinder trials of therapies directed against progression in non-diabetic renal failure.