Treatment with ezetimibe in kidney transplant recipients with uncontrolled dyslipidemia

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in kidney transplant recipients. Hyperlipidemia is a cardiovascular risk factor present in over 70% of recipients. Ezetimibe has proved effective for the treatment of dyslipidemia in these patients.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of treatment with ezetimibe in kidney transplant recipients with uncontrolled hyperlipidemia.

Materials and methods: We undertook a prospective study of 25 kidney transplant recipients with dyslipidemia who started treatment with 10 mg of ezetimibe. Statins were being taken by 96% of these patients. Monotherapy was used in one case. Measurements were made at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months of the lipid and hepatic profiles, CPK, lactose dehydrogenase, renal function and levels of immunosuppressive agents.

Results: A significant reduction was noted in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. No patient had changes in the hepatic profile, increased CPK and lactose dehydrogenase levels, or important adverse effects. Renal function remained stable, with no significant variations in plasma levels of the different immunosuppressive agents.

Conclusions: The use of ezetimibe associated with statins is an efficient and safe therapeutic alternative for the treatment of poorly controlled dyslipidemia in recipients of a kidney graft.