Evaluation of effect of ACE inhibitors on small aneurysm growth rate
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An evaluation of the effect of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor on the growth rate of small abdominal aortic aneurysms
IRAS ID
42337
Contact name
Neil Poulter
Eudract number
2010-020226-17
ISRCTN Number
NA
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Research summary
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are balloon-like swellings of the body's main blood vessel (aorta) as it courses through the abdomen. As a result of the National Aneurysm Screening programme many more of these will be detected. Small AAAs grow slowly and remain a benign condition until the diameter exceeds 2-3 times the diameter of the normal aorta (about 5.5cm in size), when operative repair of the aneurysm is recommended avoiding the potentially fatal event of bursting and bleeding (aneurysm rupture). It is therefore important to identify a strategy to prevent aneurysm growth. There is a suggestion that the use of a specific drug class, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, may reduce the risk of rupture of the larger aneurysms. This trial will assess whether an ACE inhibitor (perindopril) has aneurysm-related benefits, in patients with small AAAs at screening centres in the London area. The effects of perindopril versus a placebo(dummy) on AAA growth rates will be compared. In addition by comparing the effects of perindopril with the effects of equivalent blood pressure lowering with another non-ACE inhibitor class of drug (amlodipine) on aneurysm growth rate, we can see whether any benefits of perindopril are simply the result of lowering blood pressure. 225 Patients will be assigned to one of these 3 treatments by chance (randomisation).In addition to analysis of the effect of perindopril and blood pressure lowering,the effect of the treatments on quality of life will be assessed. Patients will return at 3-monthly intervals for an ultrasound scan (painless test that uses sound waves to create images of organs and structures inside your body) and blood pressure measurements, with questionnaires regarding quality of life during the 2-year research period.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
10/H0711/80
Date of REC Opinion
9 Nov 2010
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion