Dual RAS Blockade Fails To Show Benefit In Meta-Analysis.

Heartwire  (1/30, O'Riordan) reports, "A large meta-analysis of randomized trials comparing dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) with ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) failed to show any benefit in terms of reducing mortality compared with monotherapy." Researchers found that "dual blockade of the RAS was associated with an increased risk of hyperkalemia, hypotension, and renal failure, as well as a significantly increased risk of drug withdrawal due to adverse effects." HeartWire adds, "The 33 trials in the meta-analysis explored RAS blockade in patients with hypertension, diabetes, renal disease, or heart failure."