# Angiotensin Receptor Blockade Does Not Decrease Synthetic Angiotensin II (Giapreza®) Effectiveness in Perioperative Hypotension Surrounding Kidney Transplant

## TL;DR

This study found that using angiotensin II as a vasopressor during kidney transplants is equally effective in patients taking ARBs as in those who are not.

## Contribution

The study challenges theoretical concerns by showing no difference in angiotensin II effectiveness in ARB users during kidney transplants.

## Key findings

- No significant differences in SBP < 120 mmHg frequency or duration between ARB and non-ARB groups.
- Additional vasopressor requirements were similar in both groups.
- Hospital and ICU stay length, safety, and adverse events were comparable between groups.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: The use of angiotensin II (AT2S) as a vasopressor in patients receiving angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) prior to kidney transplant (KT) raises theoretical concerns. At our center, AT2S is the first-line vasopressor during KT. This study evaluated the hemodynamic and clinical effects of pre-transplant ARBs on AT2S use in KT. Methods: This single-center, retrospective cohort trial included patients with hypertension ≥ 18 years old on antihypertensive therapy who received AT2S as the first-line vasopressor peri-transplant. Patients were divided into ARB and non-ARB cohorts. Primary outcomes included total AT2S duration, time with SBP < 120 mmHg, and need for additional vasopressor support. Results: A total of 65 patients were analyzed: 22 in the ARB group and 43 in the non-ARB group. There were no significant differences in the frequency or duration of SBP < 120 mmHg or additional vasopressor requirements between groups (p > 0.05). Hospital and ICU stay length, safety, and adverse drug events were also similar. Conclusions: Contrary to theoretical concerns and observations in other distributive shock populations, no significant hemodynamic or clinical differences were observed in the response to AT2S in patients with pre-transplant ARB use.