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Effect of simvastatin on the lipid profile of hemodialysis patients

O Nishikawa1, M Mune, M Miyano

  • 1Shouseikai Nishide Hospital, Kaizuka, Japan.

Kidney International. Supplement
|July 21, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Simvastatin effectively lowers cholesterol in hemodialysis patients, reducing total cholesterol and LDL-C without significant side effects. This study indicates simvastatin is a safe and effective treatment for hypercholesterolemia in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Simvastatin, a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, is widely used for hypercholesterolemia.
  • Dyslipidemia is common in hemodialysis (HD) patients, but long-term simvastatin safety data is limited.
  • This study investigated simvastatin's effects and safety on lipoprotein metabolism in hypercholesterolemic HD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of simvastatin in treating hypercholesterolemia in hemodialysis patients.
  • To assess the impact of simvastatin on lipoprotein metabolism, including various lipid fractions and apolipoproteins.
  • To determine the incidence of adverse effects associated with long-term simvastatin use in this patient group.

Main Methods:

  • 38 hypercholesterolemic HD patients received simvastatin 5 mg/day for 24 weeks.
  • Serum lipids, apolipoproteins, Lp(a), and MDA were measured every four weeks.
  • Lipid levels in lipoprotein fractions were analyzed via ultracentrifugation.

Main Results:

  • Simvastatin significantly decreased total cholesterol (25.7%) and LDL-C (33.6%).
  • Apolipoprotein B and E levels were significantly reduced; no significant changes in triglycerides or HDL-C.
  • Malondialdehyde levels decreased, while Lp(a) remained unchanged. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusions:

  • Simvastatin demonstrates safety and efficacy in managing hypercholesterolemia in hemodialysis patients.
  • The drug positively impacts lipoprotein metabolism by reducing atherogenic lipid fractions.
  • Further long-term studies may be warranted, but initial findings support simvastatin use in this population.
Abstract

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