[Ezetimibe as a treatment for dyslipidaemia in CKD]

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events is one of the major CKD patients' treatment targets. Dyslipidaemia is the important modifiable risk factor in general population. Each 1.0 mmol reduction in LDL cholesterol with statins reduces annual rate of heart attack, coronary revascularization or ischemic stroke by 20% leading to 10% reduction of all-cause mortality. Adding ezetimibe, an inhibitor of intestinal lipids absorption, further reduces LDL cholesterol by 20%. Optimal lipid lowering treatment for CKD patients remains unclear. Cardiovascular risk reduction observed with statins therapy decreases together with a progression of the disease, moreover patients with advanced CKD treated with high doses of statins have an increased risk of adverse events. These patients might benefit from adding ezetimibe to moderate dose statin therapy for prevention of cardiovascular events.