Nephroprotective and clinical potential of statins in dialyzed patients

Background: The combination of increased cardiovascular mortality and vascular complications due to dyslipidaemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD) has focused attention onto the potential beneficial effects of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA) inhibitors (statins) on the course of CKD. Objective: To examine the use of statins in CKD. Methods: A review of relevant literature. Results/conclusion: Current evidence from clinical trials in CKD patients on maintenance dialysis is limited. Therefore, the routine use of statins in this population remains the decision of individual physicians in discussion with their patients.