Angiotensin receptor antagonists were developed during the 1970th and 80th. In Germany there are seven labeled substances: losartan, valsartan, eprosartan, irbesartan, candesartan, telmisartan, olmesartan. They are all used for hypertension, some have additional indications like diabetic nephropathy or heart failure. In Europe there is no registration for children and adolescents younger than 18 years. In USA losartan and valsartan are labeled for children 6 years and older with primary hypertension.
The most important clinical effects of the angiotensin receptor antagonists are lowering of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, antiproteinuric effects and amelioration of left ventricular hypertrophy.
This article explores the efficacy and safety of angiotensin receptor antagonists in children and adolescents by means of a systematic review according to the standards of the Cochrane Collaboration.
Beyond that a registry for children and adolescents with renal diseases in pre-terminal stages is developed and evaluated.
