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 12^th 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.