Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Evidence suggests a survival benefit from resuming angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) post acute kidney injury (AKI) compared to nonuse; however, the optimal timing and its impact on outcomes are unclear. The risks of earlier resumption, such as recurrent AKI or hyperkalemia, remain unexplored. METHODS: Using multiinstitutional electronic health records, we analyzed the relationship between 3 ACEI or ARB (ACEI/ARB) resumption timelines post-AKI (prior to discharge, 0-3 months, and 4-6 months postdischarge) and outcomes including all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), dialysis initiation or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), severe hyperkalemia, and recurrent AKI with hospitalization. Cox proportional models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) for outcomes across different resumption timings, following a target trial design. RESULTS: Among 5392 AKI survivors resuming ACEI/ARB within 6 months post-AKI, earlier resumption was associated with lower mortality, MACCE, MACCE-related mortality, new dialysis initiation or ESRD (P < 0.001 in trend tests), without increased risks of severe hyperkalemia and re-AKI admissions. Early resumption has a lower mortality compared to 4 to 6 months postdischarge (before discharge, HR: 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.83-0.93; 0-3 months, HR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.85-0.94). Subgroup analysis showed a lower mortality HR from earlier resumption among AKI survivors with prior ACEI/ARB comorbidity indications (P < 0.001 in trend tests; before discharge, HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.80-0.90; 0-3 months, HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.83-0.93). CONCLUSION: Our cohort demonstrates lower risks for mortality, cardiovascular events, and ESRD with early ACEI/ARB resumption, without heightened risks of severe hyperkalemia or rehospitalization for AKI. Early resumption should be considered for patients with indications for ACEI/ARB.