Effect of renal artery stenting on renal function in patients with ischemic nephropathy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of stenting on blood pressure and renal functions in azotemic patients with proximal/ostial atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. Thirteen azotemic patients (5 females, 8 males, average age, 62.7 +/- 8.3 years) who had renal artery stenosis were included in the study. Their blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate (EGFR), and creatinine levels were measured at baseline and during follow-up. Stents were implanted successfully in all of the cases. The average stent diameter and stent length were 7.2 +/- 0.5 mm and 17.2 +/- 3.4 mm, respectively. Antihypertensive drug was abandoned in 1 (7.6%) patient, reduced in 10 patients (76.9%), and not changed in 2 (15.3%) patients. Significant improvement was observed in the mean serum creatinine level at the 12th month when compared with baseline (2.56 +/- 0.88; 1.83 +/- 0.62, P < 0.001). EGFR was 18.38 +/- 4.64 before the procedure and 22.67 +/- 3.81 during follow-up (P < 0.0001). According to the GFR criteria, renal function was determined to be worse in 1 (7.6%) patient, stabilized in 2 (15.3%), and improved in 10 (76.9%) patients. One patient died during the follow-up period. Angiographic restenosis was observed in 2 (15.3%) patients. Follow-up major events were observed in 3 (23%) patients. Stenting azotemic patients with renal artery stenosis is a reliable and effective procedure for achieving an improvement in renal function.