Antiproteinuric Effect of Valsartan and Lisinopril

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female outpatients aged 18-70 years,
• Chronic nephropathy, as defined by a serum creatinine concentration of > 3 mg/dL or calculated glomerular filtration rate of > 30 mL/min/1.73 m2.
• Persistent proteinuria, as defined by urinary protein excretion exceeding 1g/24 h. (for a minimum of three months ).
• Normotensive and hypertensive patients not adequately controlled with or without treatment (controlled: <125/75 mmHg).
• Written informed consent to participate in the study prior to any study procedures.

Exclusion criteria

• Immediate need for renal replacement therapy.
• Treatment resistant oedema.
• Need for treatment with corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or immunosuppressive drugs.
• Proteinuria greater than 10g /24h and/or hypoalbuminaemia less than 28g/L.
• Renovascular hypertension
• Malignant hypertension
• MI, cerebrovascular accident within last year, severe peripheral vascular disease, CHF, chronic hepatic disease.
• Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptors blockers within one month prior to randomization.
• A serum creatinine concentration >265 ümol/L

Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply.