African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension Cohort Study

The African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension Cohort Study (AASK Cohort) is a prospective, observational study that is an extension of the AASK Clinical Trial, which investigated the effects of two levels of blood pressure (BP) control and the use of three antihypertensive drug regimens on the progression of chronic kidney disease. The overall objective of the AASK Cohort Study was to determine prospectively the long-term course of kidney function and risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in African-Americans with hypertension-related CKD receiving antihypertensive therapy and a low blood pressure goal. A secondary objective was to determine the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and assess its risk factors in the setting of hypertension-related CKD.

Of the 1,094 randomized participants of the AASK Trial, 691 individuals who had not yet reached end-stage renal disease (ESRD) enrolled in the AASK Cohort study. Antihypertensive therapy in the cohort study was largely based on AASK trial phase results and prevailing recommendations. Ramipril, a renin-angiotensin system (RAAS)-blocker, was first-line therapy; if ramipril was not tolerated, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) was used. Additional drugs were added as needed if the BP goal of <130/80 mm Hg was not achieved with ramipril. The primary renal outcome measure was a composite clinical outcome defined by doubling of serum creatinine, ESRD, or death. Cardiovascular events were also measured as a major outcome of interest. The study found that most participants with hypertensive CKD who were treated with the BP therapy continued to progress during the long term.

Note: If requesting access to AASK Cohort data, it is recommended to also request access to the AASK Trial data <a href="https://repository.niddk.nih.gov/studies/aask-trial/">(https://repository.niddk.nih.gov/studies/aask-trial/)</a> which contains participant demographic information.