OACE inhibition does not interfere with acute extrarenal or renal potassium disposal in chronic renal failure

The influence of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition on acute extrarenal and renal potassium elimination in stable chronic renal failure has been examined in 10 male patients median age 44 y; mean CLCR 42 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2. In a double blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study, K+ 0.3 or 0.4 mmol·kg−1 body weight was infused IV on two occasions while the patients also received an infusion either of placebo or 0.5 mg of the ACE inhibitor perindoprilat in random order. Plasma K+ levels and urinary K+ excretion were measured at regular intervals. During the study patients adhered to an isocaloric diet providing a standardised daily intake of potassium and sodium (50 mmol K+ and 40 mmol Na+).