does a high blood pressure medication such as hct diovan 160/25 have a negative effect on the kidneys?

Briefly describe a specific question, or set of related questions, about a health care test or treatment that this program should consider.: does a high blood pressure medication such as hct diovan 160/25 have a negative effect on the kidneys?
Does your question include a comparison of different health care approaches? (If no, your topic will still be considered.): yes
If yes, explain the specific technologies, devices, drugs, or interventions you would like to see compared:: compare high blood medications with a water pill to those without
What patients or group(s) of patients does your question apply to? (Please include specific details such as age range, gender, coexisting diagnoses, and indications for therapy.): stage 3 kidney disease, age range between 75 and 80, female.ehite
Are there subgroups of patients that your question might apply to? (For example, an ethnic group, stage or severity of a disease.): white females with stage 3 kidney disease and low filtration rate
Describe the health-related benefits you are interested in. (For example, improvements in patient symptoms or problems from treatment or diagnosis.): interested in the proper medication to prevent further damage to kidneys.
Describe any health-related risks, side effects, or harms that you are concerned about.: risk of disease becoming worse and if the diovan medication would be better to take without the water pill included.

Does your question include a health care drug, intervention, device, or technology available (or likely to be available) in the U.S.?

yes

Which priority area(s) and population(s) does this topic apply to? (check all that apply)

EHC Priority Conditions (updated in 2008)

AHRQ Priority Populations

Federal Health Care Program

Describe why this topic is important.: trying to understand the negative side effects of kidney disease medications with or without the diuretic, have read and heard that a diuretic included in blood pressure medication is harmful to the kidneys.
What specifically motivated you to ask this question? (For example, you are developing a clinical guideline, working with a policy with large uncertainty about the appropriate approach, costly intervention, new research you have read, items in the media you may have seen, a clinical practice dilemma you know of, etc.): variations in clinical care and controversy regarding this issue.
Does your question represent uncertainty for clinicians and/or policy-makers? (For example, variations in clinical care, controversy in what constitutes appropriate clinical care, or a policy decision.): yes
If yes, please explain:: clinicians should be on the same page regarding this issue , whether it be a primary physician or a nephrologist.

How will an answer to your research question be used or help inform decisions for you or your group?: a group of women with this problem will benefit from this knowledge, especially when interacting with their doctors.
Describe the timeframe in which an answer to your question is needed.: as soon as possible.
Describe any health disparities, inequities, or impact on vulnerable populations your question applies to.: mostly patients with high blood pressure and deceased kidney function.

Other Information About You: (optional)

Please choose a description that best describes your role or perspective: (you may select more than one category if appropriate): a group of women with this problem will benefit from this knowledge, especially when interacting with their doctors.

Are you making a suggestion as an individual or on behalf of an organization?: Individual

Please tell us how you heard about the Effective Health Care Program: internet

Effective Health Care Program