Authors' objectives: The aim of this systematic review was to address the following research question: does allopurinol reduce mortality, the progression of chronic kidney disease or cardiovascular risk in people with CKD? Given the importance of adverse events (AEs) (common and rare), a secondary aim was to consider the evidence from observational studies describing AEs and quality-of-life data.

Authors' recommendations: We reviewed the available studies to consider whether or not using allopurinol in people with chronic kidney disease may prevent the worsening of their disease. Our review found that there was limited evidence that allopurinol slows down the progression of chronic kidney disease or reduces the occurrence of heart disease. However, this evidence was not convincing as it was derived from studies with small numbers of patients and similar findings were not reported from more than one study. We did identify that there are very few serious side effects from taking the treatment. However, we cannot say whether or not patients with kidney disease taking allopurinol have the same side effects as patients taking the drug for other conditions such as gout. Therefore, we have concluded that additional research is required, ideally including a trial with a larger number of people with chronic kidney disease.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2014

URL for published report: http://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/hta/hta18400/#/abstract

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme

Contact Address: NIHR Journals Library, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Evaluation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre, Alpha House, University of Southampton Science Park, Southampton SO16 7NS, UK

Contact Name: journals.library@nihr.ac.uk

Contact Email: journals.library@nihr.ac.uk

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