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Several studies have evaluated whether angiotensin- converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and calcium-channel blockers decrease proteinuria and improve renal function in patients with kidney disease. This meta-analysis asked whether these agents improve renal function independently of their effects on blood pressure. The authors examined 84 controlled and uncontrolled studies of at least six months' duration. Sixteen were randomized trials; 14 of these tested ACE inhibitors and confirmed that patients taking these drugs had decreased proteinuria and a slower decline in glomerular filtration rate as compared with control groups. Analysis of all 84 studies showed that both ACE inhibitors and nondihydropyridine calcium antagonists (e.g., verapami…