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Dyslipidemia and Its Therapeutic Challenges in Renal Transplantation
Author(s) -
Riella L. V.,
Gabardi S.,
Chandraker A.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
american journal of transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.89
H-Index - 188
eISSN - 1600-6143
pISSN - 1600-6135
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-6143.2012.04084.x
Subject(s) - medicine , dyslipidemia , pravastatin , fluvastatin , transplantation , population , atorvastatin , simvastatin , intensive care medicine , kidney transplantation , statin , kidney disease , disease , cholesterol , environmental health
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in kidney transplant recipients. Dyslipidemia is a common finding after renal transplantation and a significant risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease. Although a causal relationship with cardiovascular mortality has not been proven in the transplant population, it is reasonable to extrapolate data from the general population and aggressively treat posttransplant dyslipidemia. Statins are considered the agents of choice, though their use may be complicated by drug misadventures. Pravastatin, fluvastatin and pitavastatin are considered to be the safest statins to use in this population; however, given their low‐potency, a high‐potency statin, such as atorvastatin, may be necessary in patients with significant dyslipidemia. In this article, we discuss the etiology of and treatment strategies for dyslipidemia in renal transplant recipients based on a literature review of potential therapeutic adverse effects and benefits in this population. We will also evaluate the reasons for and consequences of the latest Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warnings regarding the use of simvastatin.