Aim To examine whether AER(albumin excretion rate) in normotensive diabeticpatients can be effectively inhibited by ACEI. Methods Literature on randomized controlled trials ofACEI for inhibiting AER in normotensive diabetic patients was searched. The electronic databasesretrieved were Medline (1980 ― 2003), Embase database (1980 ― 2000), Cochrane Library, CL( 1980 ―2004), CBMdisc( 1980 ― 2002), and IPA( 1980 ― 2002). Seven studies were chosen. Data werecombined by Revman 4.2. Results: The pooled effect of change in AER is - 56.31 μg·min^(-1)) [ -81.96, -30.66] (P<0.0001). According to the analysis of subgroups, the pooled effects of 1 - 5 yearsare - 11.97 μg·min^(-1)[-22.04, -1.89] (P = 0.02), -28.01 μg·min^(-1)[-34.50, -21.52](P<0.00001), -43.24 μg·min^(-1) [ -57.15, -29.32] (P< 0.00001), -61.65 μg·min^(-1)[77.77,-45.54] (P< 0.00001), and -98.41 μg·min^(-1)[-162.02,-34.79] (P = 0.002). Regarding progression toclinincal proteinuria as end-point, the pooled Peto OR =0.27 [0.18,0.40] (95% CI), P < 0.00001.According to the analysis of subgroups, the pooled effects of 2 and 5 years are Peto OR = 0.30[0.18,0.51] (P<0.00001) and Peto OR=0.25 [0.13, 0.50](P<0.0001). Publication bias is small.Conclusion In normotensive diabetic patients, ACEI inhibits AER effectively and reduces theprobability of progression of microalbuminuria to clinical proteinuria.
