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Effect of Fenofibrate Medication on Renal Function
Sungjong Kim1, Kyungjin Ko1, Sookyoung Park1
1Department of Family Medicine, Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Gunpo, Korea.
Background:
Fibrates are widely used to treat hypertriglyceridemia, a risk factor for arteriosclerosis, but these compounds have been associated with renal dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the effects of fibrates on renal function in relatively healthy adult subjects with no cardiovascular diseases.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 558 outpatients who were prescribed 160 mg fenofibrate (fenofibrate group) or 10 mg atorvastatin (control group) between August 2007 and October 2015. The groups were randomly matched using propensity scores at a 1:1 ratio. Serum creatinine levels and estimated glomerular filtration rates before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.
Results:
Patients in the fenofibrate group showed greater changes in serum creatinine levels than those in the control group (9.73%±9.83% versus -0.89%±7.37%, P<0.001). Furthermore, 55.1% of patients in the fenofibrate group, but only 6.1% of those in the control group, exhibited a serum creatinine level increase ≥0.1 mg/dL (P<0.001). The fenofibrate group showed significantly greater declines in the estimated glomerular filtration rate than the control group (-10.1%±9.48% versus 1.42%±9.42%, P<0.001). Moreover, 34.7% of the fenofibrate group, but only 4.1% of the control group, exhibited an estimated glomerular filtration rate decrease ≥10 mL/min·1.73 m2 (P<0.001).
Conclusion:
Fenofibrate treatment resulted in increased serum creatinine levels and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rates in a primary care setting. Therefore, regular renal function monitoring should be considered essential during fibrate administration.
Insights
Fenofibrate treatment increased serum creatinine and reduced kidney function in primary care patients. Regular renal function monitoring is essential during fibrate use.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Fibrates are commonly prescribed for hypertriglyceridemia, a risk factor for atherosclerosis.
- Concerns exist regarding fibrate-induced renal dysfunction.
- This study focused on renal effects in healthy adults without cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of fenofibrate on renal function.
- To compare fenofibrate's effects against atorvastatin in a primary care setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 558 outpatients treated with fenofibrate or atorvastatin.
- Propensity score matching (1:1 ratio) for group comparison.
- Analysis of serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) changes.
Main Results:
- Fenofibrate group showed significantly higher serum creatinine increases (9.73% vs -0.89%) and eGFR declines (-10.1% vs 1.42%) compared to atorvastatin.
- A substantial proportion of fenofibrate patients experienced clinically significant increases in serum creatinine (55.1%) and decreases in eGFR (34.7%).
- These changes were statistically significant (P<0.001).
Conclusions:
- Fenofibrate administration is associated with elevated serum creatinine and reduced eGFR in primary care.
- Close renal function monitoring is crucial for patients receiving fibrate therapy.
- These findings highlight the importance of vigilant monitoring during fenofibrate treatment.
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