Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026

Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
Lipid lowering therapies in chronic kidney disease: A call to action
Jaime Mazón-Ruiz1, David Arroyo2, Marina de Cos3
1Nephrology Department, Hospital Carmen y Severo Ochoa, Cangas del Narcea, Spain.
Insights
Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have high cardiovascular risk but are undertreated with lipid-lowering therapies (LLT). More research is needed to optimize dyslipidemia management in this population.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Cardiology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is the primary cause of mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.
- CKD patients experience higher cardiovascular event rates than the general population.
- Lipid-lowering therapies (LLT) are underutilized in CKD patients for cardiovascular event prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the evidence on LLT for ASCVD prevention in CKD patients.
- To identify gaps in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) regarding CKD patient inclusion.
- To highlight the need for tailored lipid management strategies in CKD.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of existing literature.
- Analysis of CKD patient representation in RCTs evaluating LLT.
- Assessment of current treatment guidelines based on available evidence.
Main Results:
- CKD patients are significantly underrepresented in RCTs for LLT.
- Current treatment recommendations for dyslipidemia in CKD often rely on extrapolated data.
- Evidence gaps exist for effective lipid management in this high-risk group.
Conclusions:
- Dedicated clinical trials are crucial to address the specific lipid management needs of CKD patients.
- Optimizing LLT in CKD populations is essential for reducing cardiovascular risk.
- Further research is needed to improve cardiovascular outcomes in CKD patients through targeted interventions.
Abstract:
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the leading cause of death among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), who face significantly higher rates of cardiovascular events compared to the general population. Despite this increased risk, CKD patients are still undertreated with lipid-lowering therapies (LLT) for both primary and secondary prevention. This systematic review highlights the ongoing underrepresentation of CKD patients in past and current randomized clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating LLT, pointing to evidence gaps in managing dyslipidemia for this high-risk group. Due to the limited inclusion of CKD populations in clinical studies, current treatment approaches often rely on extrapolated data from the general population, raising concerns about their relevance and effectiveness in this subgroup. The results underscore the importance of conducting dedicated trials focused on specific lipid management strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk in this vulnerable population better.
Related Concept Videos
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Atherosclerosis III: Management

