Minoxidil treatment of malignant hypertension. Recovery of renal function
F. C. Luft, R. Bloch, J. J. Szwed, C. M. Grim and C. E. Grim
We treated eight severely hypertensive, long-term hemodialysis patients who
failed to respond to ultrafiltration or conventional medication with
minoxidil rather than with bilateral nephrectomy. Control of blood pressure
and relief of symptoms was achieved in all eight. In addition, three of the
patients, who were all severely oliguric, recovered sufficient renal
function to allow the discontinuation of dialysis. Two are presently doing
well, while one died of causes unrelated to uremia or minoxidil therapy. We
presently reserve bilateral nephrectomy for those hypertensive dialysis
patients who are awaiting transplantation.
