Statins may protect kidneys from angioplasty dyesWednesday, April 02, 2008
By Joe Fahy, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Statin drugs used to lower cholesterol may also protect the kidneys from dyes used during angioplasty procedures, according to a new study by Allegheny General Hospital researchers.
After reviewing the records of patients who received angioplasties at the hospital from 2005 to 2007, researchers found that patients who took statins prior to the procedure were less likely to have worsening kidney function.
The findings were presented Monday in Chicago at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Cardiology.
While more study is needed, "these results indicate that statins may provide a form of protection of the kidneys during a cardiac catheterization study for coronary artery disease," said Dr. Robert Biederman, director of cardiovascular MRI at Allegheny General.
Coronary angioplasty is often performed to assess and treat the plaque buildup typical of coronary artery disease. Contrast dyes are generally used during the procedure, which involves a catheter threaded through an artery.
Yet 2 percent to 3 percent of patients undergoing contrast tests will develop acute renal failure, which could lead to longer hospital stays, kidney dialysis and increased risk of chronic disease, said Dr. Valentyna Ivanova, the study's lead author. She said many current medications given to patients prior to those tests are not effective in protecting the kidneys.
Researchers identified 647 patients who had tests of their serum creatinine levels, an indicator of kidney function, at least one week before and after their angioplasties. About 60 percent of those patients were taking statins at least a week before their angioplasties; the rest were not.
The researchers found that patients who took statins had a smaller rise in serum creatinine levels, indicating their kidney function did not worsen. Those taking statins had creatinine level increases about eight times smaller than patients who did not take statins.
Dr. Biederman, the study's senior author, said prospective studies are needed to confirm the findings and to examine other issues, such as how far in advance of the procedure statin use might be effective.
Other co-authors included Dr. David Lasorda, Diane Vido and Jennifer Spotti.
Joe Fahy can be reached at jfahy@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1722.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08093/869658-114.stm?cmpid=healthscience.xml
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