Abstract: 【Abstract】Objective To evaluate the effect of either combination therapy of Benazepril and Losartan or monotherapy of Benazepril or Losartan on serum potassium level in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Methods Forty-four hemodialysis patients with pre-dialytic serum potassium level lower than 6.0mmol/l were recruited. Patients were randomized into group A or group B. In group A, Benazepril (10mg q.d.) and Losartan (50mg q.d.) were sequentially added to the patients at the beginning and one month later. In group B, Losartan and Benazepril were sequentially added to the patients. Other medications remained unchanged. Serum potassium levels were measured at the beginning and 1, 2 and 3 months after start of the treatment. Fasting blood samples were collected in the morning at supine position, and serum aldosterone was measured by radioimmunoassay. Data were analyzed by t-test, analysis of variance test, or chi-square test to compare serum potassium level and the prevalence of hyperkalemia. Results There was no significant change in serum potassium level during the period of study in each group, nor was the prevalence of hyperkalemia; Serum aldosterone levels decreased significantly after the treatment (P=0.016). Conclusions Monotherapy of Benazepril or Losartan or combination therapy of Benazepril and Losartan are not associated with the higher prevalence of hyperkalemia in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Key words: Benazepril, Losartan, Aldosterone, Hemodialysis