Renal
Artery Treatment
MCG is participating in a National Institutes of Health study to determine how best to reopen narrowed kidney arteries.
Approximately 2 million Americans, most over age 50 with uncontrolled high blood pressure, have renal artery stenosis, which can reduce kidney function and exacerbate hypertension. The study will compare stents—used about 50,000 times a year nationwide to reopen significantly blocked renal arteries—with medication to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
“Data suggest stents will help maybe 20 percent, hurt 20 percent and in 60 percent not do anything,” said Dr. Harold Szerlip, a nephrologist who is working with Dr. Deepak Kapoor, an interventional cardiologist, on the MCG leg of the study. “The question is if you are hurting as many people as you are helping, who needs this procedure? This study is designed to answer that question.”
For the study, patients with at least 60 percent blockage of a renal artery will be randomized to stenting or medical therapy. They will be followed for three to six years. Lipid-lowering and anti-hypertensive medications will be provided to all patients at no costs. “I am thrilled there is now a multi-center, nationally funded trial to provide answers,” said Dr. Szerlip.