Effect of Telmisartan and Captopril on Systemic Inflammation of Patients on Hemodialysis

Once included, patients will be randomly allocated (by a computer-generated randomization list) to one of the following groups: group 1 will receive Captopril, group 2 Telmisartan, group 3 Captopril plus Telmisartan, and group 4 Placebo. Drugs will be provided as tablets during a period of 3 months. All patients will have 3 HD sessions per week, with the same kind of single-use dialysis membrane and dialysate Monthly visits will be scheduled for clinical and biochemical evaluations. A blood sample will be taken at baseline and every month for measurement of complete blood count, urea, creatinine, glucose, albumin, lipids, and electrolytes (measured by usual methods). In serum samples at 0, 1 and 3 months, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) concentrations will be measured by ELISA using high sensitivity kits. Additionally, in the same serum samples, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations will be measured by nephelometry using high sensitivity kits. All laboratory measurements, including inflammation markers, will be performed in the Central Laboratory (Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente), by the same personnel blinded to patient's details.

Treatment compliance will be recorded by counting tablets left in the container at the end of each monthly visit.