The use of simvastatin in analbuminaemia

Congenital analbuminaemia, a rare disorder associated with defective albumin synthesis, is characterised by hyperlipidaemia. Administration of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGRI) to analbuminaemic rats have demonstrated no significant effect on plasma lipids, however no published information regarding HMGRI treatment could be found in human subjects. The efficacy, safety and tolerability of Simvastatin was thus investigated in 2 South African patients with analbuminaemia, a 21 year old Caucasian male (H-B) and a 61 year old black male (A-K). In the case of A-K, the lipid profile responded predictably but H-B responded less that expected from general experience with Simvastatin. Both subjects, however, experienced a three- to five-fold increase in creatine kinase. The use of HMGRI's should thus be used cautiously in these patients and it may be advisable to reserve treatment for secondary prevention.