Randomized comparative efficacy and safety study of intermittent simvastatin versus fenofibrate in hemodialysis

Abstract

Aim: Compare the safety and efficacy of intermittent fenofibrate versus simvastatin in chronic hemodialysis patients. Patients & methods: Sixty patients received either fenofibrate 100 mg or simvastatin 20 mg after their dialysis session (parallel study). The safety and efficacy of drugs on lipid profile, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), glutathione peroxidase and C-reactive protein were compared before and after 16-week treatment. Results: After treatment, significant increase in glutathione peroxidase, significant decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and ox-LDL (p < 0.05) and no significant changes in C-reactive protein (p > 0.05) were observed in both groups. Both drugs were well tolerated with no serious side effects reported by the patients. Conclusion: Both drugs have comparable efficacy and safety when used as intermittent low dose regimen in hemodialysis. Larger studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to confirm our new findings.