Title:Is Statin Therapy Safe and Effective in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease?
VOLUME: 23 ISSUE: 46
Author(s):Venkatesh K. Raman, Eleni Geladari and Vasilios Papademetriou*
Affiliation:MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, Veteran Affairs Medical Center and Georgetown University, Washington, DC, Veteran Affairs Medical Center and Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Keywords:Chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, hemodialysis, statin, cholesterol, lipids.
Abstract:Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with dyslipidemia and increased cardiovascular risk. This
elevated risk for cardiovascular events exists even in the largest subpopulation with milder stages of CKD, prior
to the development of significant reductions in renal excretory function. Statin therapy is a critical component of
primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention efforts for at-risk patients. Efficacy in the CKD population,
however, has appeared less robust across the spectrum of CKD, particularly in hemodialysis patients. This article
will review the current state of knowledge on statin therapy in CKD, effects on renal outcomes, safety in this
population and alternative lipid therapies.
