TREATMENT OF DYSLIPIDEMIA IN CHRONIC-RENAL-FAILURE

Dyslipidemia in end-stage renal disease is a common problem and may co ntribute to the high rates of morbidity and mortality in this populati on. Recent studies indicate that defective lipolysis is a major factor in the development of this disorder which is characterized by increas ed levels of very-low-density-lipoprotein remnant particles, hypertrig lyceridemia and occasionally hypercholesterolemia. There are no prospe ctive longterm studies on the effect of lipid-lowering treatment on mo rbidity and mortality related to dyslipidemia, Therefore, at present p harmacologic treatment of hyperlipidemia should be undertaken in patie nts with severe hypertriglyceridemia (> 500 mg/dl) or hypercholesterol emia (LDL > 130 mg/dl) who are at high risk for coronary artery diseas e. This review discusses the pathogenesis of dyslipidemia, common clin ical patterns of hyperlipidemia and various nonpharmacologic and pharm acologic treatment options.