How to choose a statin after kidney transplantation: case analyses.
Statins are effective to reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein fractions in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, they have an excellent safety profile. Besides cholesterol-lowering properties, statins have additional actions described in the present case report. The diverse effects of these drugs means that many patients with different disease entities, such as cardiovascular diseases, can benefit from their effects. However, the problem of so called "class effect" remains controversial. The question whether each drug within the group is equivalent appears important, as long as statins must be taken long-term and as the therapy affects patient quality of life and survival. To address this question, we present two renal transplant recipients treated with statins. The induction of pharmacokinetic tolerance and damage to hepatic cells during administration of statins is discussed. Presented data suggest that the choice of statin should be based on individual patient requirements and adapted to the individual treatment response.
Mucha
K
K
Transplantation Institute, Department of Immunology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Warsaw Medical University, Nowogrodzka 59, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland. kmmuchapl@yahoo.co.uk
Foroncewicz
B
B
Oldakowska-J
U
U
Soldacki
D
D
Kryst
P
P
Paczek
L
L
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000145:classification* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy; D016030:Kidney Transplantation / Q000401:mortality / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D014280:Triglycerides