Abstract
The effect of propranolol on renal haemodynamics was studied in nine patients with arterial hypertension and moderate to severe chronic renal failure. A reduction of the renal function in this type of patient might have clinical consequence. The patients, whose glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ranged between 17 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 71 ml/min/1.73 m2, were studied during three 4-week periods with alternately placebo, propranolol (40 mg b.i.d.) and placebo treatment. The GFR and the effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) were determined as the plasma clearance of 51Cr-EDTA and 125I-hippurane. The GFR fell on the average 7% (95% confidence limits: 1-12%) during propranolol treatment, and the fall was reversible. No changes were found in ERPF. In conclusion, propranolol treatment in this type of patient causes a modest and reversible fall of GFR.