To determine the effects of captopril on microalbuminuria and renal function in normotensive type II diabetic patients.
A total of 26 patients were randomized in two homogeneous groups for clinical and analytical data in a 6-mo follow-up study. Group A received captopril (initial dose: 12.5 mg daily, increased according to tolerance); group B was untreated.
Microalbuminuria decreased only in the treated group at 6 mo (P = 0.044) and a significant (P = 0.027) mean percentage change on microalbuminuria excretion between the groups was observed. Filtration fraction decreased in group A (baseline: 0.23 ± 0.03; 6 mo: 0.22 ± 0.04) and increased in group B (baseline: 0.22 ± 0.04; 6 mo: 0.25 ± 0.04) with a significant mean percentage change between the groups at 6 mo (P = 0.032). The mean percentage change in microalbuminuria was significantly correlated with a mean percentage change in diastolic blood pressure throughout the trial. Neither metabolic control nor sodium or protein intake changed in either group during the trial.
These results suggest that captopril can help arrest microalbuminuria in normotensive type II diabetic patients, with a decrease in diastolic blood pressure and filtration fraction after a 6-mo treatment.
