Do statins prevent acute kidney injury?

Abstract

Introduction: Statins were introduced as lipid-lowering agents with a specific action to decrease plasma cholesterol concentrations and they have led to significant reductions in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Since their introduction, they have been found to have highly pleiotropic effects and potential use in many medical conditions well beyond cardiovascular disease alone. With their widespread and increasing use, adverse effects have also become apparent and it is suggested from the interrogation of observational data from large datasets that an early complication of statin use may be acute kidney injury (AKI).

Areas covered: This review explores the evidence relating to statins and the risks of AKI. The pathophysiology of AKI is considered and the statins are compared and contrasted. Statins have also been attributed with reno-protective effects and the literature relating to these circumstances are reviewed.

Expert opinion: The question of whether statins cause AKI remains unresolved. Evidence suggests that statins may both protect or harm kidneys acutely and that risk varies with the condition and the dose and type of statin used. However, any current adverse data should not deter prescription of statins in patients where there is clear evidence for either primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular events.

Keywords:

• acute kidney injury
• contrast media
• ischaemia
• proteinuria
• rhabdomyoslysis
• sepsis
• statins

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Notes

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