A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomized Trial Investigating the Safety and Efficacy of Additive Renin Inhibition With Aliskiren on Renal Blood Flow and Neurohormonal Activation in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Renal Dysfunction
A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomized Trial Investigating the Safety and Efficacy of Additive Renin Inhibition With Aliskiren on Renal Blood Flow and Neurohormonal Activation in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Renal Dysfunction
The main purpose of this study is to examine the effect of add-on therapy with the direct renin inhibitor Aliskiren in comparison to placebo on renal blood flow in patients with heart failure and reduced renal function.
This study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel group comparison trial, enrolling 100 patients (67 vs. 33) with stable CHF. Patients will be randomized to Aliskiren 300 mg once daily or corresponding Placebo for a period of 6 months. Efficacy measures will be performed at baseline and at the end of the study. Primary efficacy outcome is change in renal blood flow as measured by 131I-Hippuran clearance. Secondary outcome include change in renal function, neurohormones, left ventricular function and blood pressure. Safety assessments include renal function, changes in electrolytes, and blood pressure. Patients will be uptitrated to maximum tolerated doses of Aliskiren, and safety visits are planned 1 week after initiation and on a 2 month interval afterwards. A total of 8 visits are planned during the entire study period.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: