Real world data links rosuvastatin with signs of kidney damage

Written By :  Isra Zaman
Medically Reviewed By :  Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli
Published On 2022-07-21 03:30 GMT   |   Update On 2022-07-21 09:08 GMT
Advertisement

Statins can effectively lower high cholesterol, and many individuals take rosuvastatin, one member of this drug class. New research based on patient health records and published in JASN suggests that rosuvastatin, especially at higher doses, may have damaging effects on the kidneys.

Reports had linked rosuvastatin with signs of kidney damage-hematuria (blood in the urine) and proteinuria (protein in the urine)-at the time of its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration, but little post-marketing surveillance exists to assess real-world risk. To investigate, researchers analyzed electronic health record data for 152,101 new users of rosuvastatin and 795,799 new users of another statin called atorvastatin.

Advertisement

the team identified hematuria in 2.9% of patients and proteinuria in 1.0% of patients. Compared with atorvastatin, rosuvastatin was associated with an 8% higher risk of hematuria, a 17% higher risk of proteinuria, and a 15% higher risk of developing kidney failure requiring replacement therapy such as dialysis or transplantation. Risks of hematuria and proteinuria were higher with a higher dose of rosuvastatin. Also, among patients with advanced kidney disease, 44% were prescribed a higher dose of rosuvastatin than the US Food and Drug Administration recommends for individuals with poor kidney function.

Researchers concluded that a higher risk of hematuria, proteinuria, as well as kidney failure with rosuvastatin use and similar cardiovascular benefits between the rosuvastatin and atorvastatin groups. Because rosuvastatin may cause proteinuria and hematuria, especially with high dose, high dose rosuvastatin may not merit the risk even if small particularly for patients with advanced kidney disease.

Reference: "Real-world data links rosuvastatin with signs of kidney damage"; AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY JOURNAL, Journal of the American Society of Nephrology; DOI: 10.1681/ASN.2022020135

Full View
Tags:    
Article Source : American Society of Nephrology

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News