Effect of spironolactone combined with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin II receptor blockers on chronic glomerular disease

The aim of the present study was to observe the effects of spironolactone on urine protein level and kidney function in patients with chronic glomerular disease receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and/or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). A total of 221 patients with chronic glomerular disease were divided into spironolactone and control groups. The spironolactone group was treated with spironolactone at a dose of 20 mg/day, in addition to the original treatment regime and doses of ACEIs and/or ARBs. The control group continuously received the original doses of ACEIs and/or ARBs alone. Twenty-four-hour urine protein levels, serum creatinine and potassium, plasma aldosterone (ALD) and blood pressure were monitored at 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks. The estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) were calculated based on the obtained serum creatinine results. Following treatment, the urine protein level in the spironolactone group was notably decreased compared with that prior to the treatment, whereas the urine protein level in the control group did not show a significant difference. No significant differences were observed with regard to the renal function, eGFR, serum potassium, plasma ALD and blood pressure in either group prior to and following treatment. In conclusion, spironolactone administration, when co-administered with ACEIs and/or ARBs, markedly decreases the urine protein levels in patients with chronic glomerular disease. The protective effect of spironolactone on renal function remains to be demonstrated.