Title:
Characterization of the circulating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in cats with chronic kidney disease, systemic arterial hypertension, or both
Investigators:
Mandy Coleman, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology faculty)
Bianca Lourenço, DVM, MSc, DACVIM (Internal medicine faculty)
Carl Toborowsky, MS, MA, VMD (Cardiology resident)
If interested, please have your primary veterinarian request additional information by contacting Lisa Reno, our Clinical Trials coordinator at 706-296-7818.
Study description:
The primary purpose of this observational study is to evaluate a hormonal cascade, the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), in cats with chronic kidney disease, systemic arterial hypertension, or both. Cats with azotemic chronic kidney disease (IRIS stages 2-4) and hypertensive cats (systolic blood pressure ≥ 160 mm Hg) with or without chronic kidney disease may be eligible for participation. Healthy cats with age, sex and neuter status that match those in the kidney disease group will also be enrolled. In addition, the following exclusions apply:
Exclusion criteria:
- Cats with congestive heart failure, or uncontrolled hyperthyroidism or diabetes mellitus
- Cats receiving a corticosteroid (e.g., prednisolone, dexamethasone) in the 30 days prior toenrollment
- Cats receiving a RAAS blocker (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, angiotensinreceptor blocker, or mineralcorticoid receptor blocker) in the 14 days prior to enrollment
- Cats receiving other medications known to modify RAAS or blood pressure (e.g., amlodipine,hydralazine, beta- or alpha-adrenergic blockers, diuretics) in the 7 days preceding enrollment
- Cats receiving intravenous or subcutaneous fluids in the 7 days preceding enrollment
The study pays for:
- Appointment
- Blood pressure measurement
- CBC, biochemistry panel, SDMA, and T4 measurement
- Urinalysis and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio
- Echocardiogram
Newly diagnosed hypertensive cats that are started on amlodipine (at the attending clinician’s discretion) will be invited back within 2-4 weeks for repeat blood and urine collection. The study pays for:
- Appointment
- Blood pressure measurement
- Renal biochemistry profile
- Urinalysis and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratioClients are responsible for the cost of amlodipine (if prescribed) and any costs not directly related to study procedures.
Duration of study:
Enrollment is ongoing.
Potential benefits to veterinary medicine:
By characterizing activation of the RAAS in cats with chronic kidney disease and those with systemic arterial hypertension, this study will help improve treatment strategies for these diseases in cats.
