title: Statins and the Liver.
abstract: Lipid lowering, particularly with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors ("statins"), reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Patients with chronic liver disease present challenges to the use of lipid medications. In the case of most liver disorders, the concern has been one of safety. There is evidence that most lipid-lowering medications can be used safely in many situations, although large outcomes trials are lacking. This review examines lipid physiology and cardiovascular risk in specific liver diseases and reviews the evidence for lipid lowering and the use of statins in chronic liver disease.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipid Research, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8127, 660 South Euclid, St Louis, MO 63110, USA. Electronic address: cherrick@dom.wustl.edu.
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Herrick
authors.affiliation: VA Medical Center, Puget Sound, 1660 South Columbian Way, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
authors.forename: Samira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bahrainy
authors.affiliation: Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359748, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.
authors.forename: Edward A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Gill
keywords: Chronic liver disease; Dyslipidemia; Hepatic transaminases; Statins