Effects of Ramipril on Biomarkers of Endothelial Dysfunction and Inflammation in Hypertensive Children on Maintenance Hemodialysis: the SEARCH Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background: Hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in end-stage kidney disease. We evaluated the effects of ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibition on biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in hypertensive children with end-stage kidney disease on maintenance hemodialysis. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 135 (72 males/63 females) children and adolescents (age 7–15 years) were randomly assigned to treatment with either 2.5 mg once daily ramipril (n=68) or placebo (n=67) for 16 weeks. Primary outcome were the serum concentrations of asymmetrical dimethylarginine, a marker of endothelial dysfunction and hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), a marker of inflammation. Changes in IL-6 (interleukin-6), TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-alpha), systolic (S), and diastolic (D) blood pressure were secondary outcomes. Change in potassium levels and incidence of hyperkalemia were among the safety parameters. Results: Ramipril, but not placebo, significantly reduced serum levels of asymmetrical dimethylarginine (−79.6%; P <0.001), hs-CRP (−46.5%; P <0.001), IL-6 (−27.1%; P <0.001), and TNF-α (−51.7%; P <0.001). Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lowered in both groups with a greater reduction in children receiving ramipril (median between-group differences −12.0 [95% CI −18.0 to −9.5] and −9.0 [95% CI −12.0 to −4.5]; P <0.001, respectively). Changes in asymmetrical dimethylarginine, hs-CRP, IL-6, or TNF-α in the ramipril group did not significantly correlate with blood pressure reductions. No severe cases of hyperkalemia or other serious treatment-associated adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Ramipril improves biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in hypertensive children on maintenance hemodialysis in addition to its efficacious and safe potential to lower blood pressure. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT04582097.