MANAGEMENT OF HYPERLIPIDEMIA IN CHILDREN WITH REFRACTORY NEPHROTIC SYNDROME - THE EFFECT OF STATIN THERAPY

The efficacy and safety of hydroxymethylglutaric coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statins) in the treatment of hyperlipidemia were evaluated in 12 infants and children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome f ollowed prospectively for 1 to 5 years. All patients experienced a hyp olipidemic response with a marked reduction in their total cholesterol (40%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (44%), and triglyceride le vels (33%), but no appreciable change in high-density lipoprotein chol esterol. Statin therapy was well tolerated without clinical or laborat ory adverse effects. In spite of a significant hypolipidemic response to statin therapy there were no changes observed in the degree of prot einuria, hypoalbuminemia, or in the rate of progression to chronic ren al failure, Long-term controlled studies with statin therapy are neede d to further document or negate their renoprotective role in refractor y nephrotic syndrome.