Coronary revascularization in patients with coronary artery disease and chronic kidney disease

There is a remarkable lack of randomized trial data on optimal management of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In fact, patients with CKD are often excluded from randomized trials that compare different treatment strategies for CAD. Because the most common cause of death in CKD patients is cardiovascular disease, it is crucial that studies are designed to determine the best therapy for CAD in this high-risk group. This article discusses the available data on coronary revascularization outcomes in CKD patients. (C) 2004 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.