Short Term Effects of Diltiazem on Renal Functions: A Controlled Clinical Study

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to study acute effects of diltiazem on renal functions and its renoprotective effects in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). MATERIALand METHODS: Among patients with CKD followed-up in our unit, fifty patients using diltiazem as a part of their treatment(the treatment group) and fifty patients not using diltiazem (the control group) were selected. Besides demographic parameters; blood pressures, creatinine, proteinuria and creatinine clearance levels at the baseline, first week, and third and sixth months were recorded. RESULTS: The groups were matched for the mean creatinine clearance at baseline. The course of mean creatinine clearance were similar in both groups (p=0.29). There was no significant change in serum creatinine or creatinine clearance after initiation of diltiazem in the treatment group. Baseline proteinuria was higher in treatment group (p=0.012). Proteinuria at the sixth month was significantly higher in the control group compared with basal and first week levels (p<0.001 and p=0.007, respectively). But there was no change in the treatment group regarding proteinuria. Serum albumin levels were not statistically significantly different in the groups (p=0.69). CONCLUSION: Diltiazem has no acute effect on serum creatinine and creatinine clearance in patients with CKD. It may prevent the probable increase in proteinuria.