Maps of end-stage renal disease and amounts of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors prescribed in Japan.

Abstract

We recently found regional differences in the incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in Japan, which is generally ethnically homogeneous, suggesting that factors other than genetic may contribute to the difference. Here, we examined regional differences in the amounts of expenses spent on antihypertensives, especially angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, in our search for an explanation.