Effectiveness of statins on haemodialysis patients with concomitant peripheral arterial disease – a narrative review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The use of statins in hemodialysis patients is a topic of ongoing research and debate. Patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis constitute a large proportion of patients treated in the vascular surgery field. Clinical data of the protective statin effect on this group is scarce and conflicting results exist regarding cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and limb outcomes. METHODS: We performed a thorough electronic search of the literature using PubMed and Embase databases to understand the relationship between statin effect and cardiovascular, limb outcomes and cerebrovascular outcomes. A narrative review was constructed, based on the obtained literature. RESULTS: Although the use of statins in hemodialysis patients may provide cardiovascular benefits, the optimal dosage and safety profile of these medications in this population remain uncertain. A carefully evaluation of the risks and benefits of statins should be made based on each patient's specific requirements and circumstances. CONCLUSION: The role of statins for patients with peripheral arterial disease who are on hemodialysis remains unclear. Further analyses should focus on this subgroup of dialysis patients, who are becoming more prevalent on the vascular surgery departments, allowing for an optimized treatment with better patient outcomes.

Keywords

• Statin
• Hemodialysis
• peripheral arterial disease
• patient outcomes