Effects of Losartan on Blood Pressure and Humoral Factors in a Patient Who Suffered from Anaphylactoid Reactions When Treated with ACE Inhibitors during LDL Apheresis

Abstract

In a patient who was taking an angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis with dextran-sulfate cellulose provoked hypotension accompanied by lacrimation and blurred vision. Hypotension was eliminated by changing the anticoagulant from heparin to a protease inhibitor, nafamostat mesilate. A study was undertaken to clarify whether an antagonist of angiotensin type 1-receptor, losartan, could be safely used in the same patient during LDL apheresis treatment. Blood pressure and humoral factors were compared between the apheresis sessions with losartan and those without. Although angiotensin II and bradykinin plasma levels during LDL apheresis were significantly greater with losartan than without, blood pressure reduction by losartan was mild and unpleasant symptoms were not induced. Losartan was thus safely used for this patient during treatment by LDL apheresis. The greater rise in bradykinin levels during apheresis with losartan might be ascribable to angiotensin type 2-receptor stimulation.(Hypertens Res 2001;24: 595-598)