Aliskiren or Amlodipine in Hypertensive Hemodialysed Patients

Cardiovascular Events in Hypertensive Hemodialysed Patients: Aliskiren Versus Amlodipine. A Randomized, Double-blind Study.

Hypertensive haemodialysis patients are at high risk for cardiovascular events. This study was undertaken to ascertain whether aliskiren, a direct renin inhibitor, compared with amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, reduces mortality and cardiovascular events in these high-risk patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• hemodialysed patients
• predialytic blood pressure greater or equal to 140/90 mmHg

Exclusion Criteria:

• history of heart failure
• history of ischemic heart disease
• severe aortic stenosis
• known allergy to aliskiren or amlodipine
• severe disorders of liver function