Pharmacokinetics and Lipid-Lowering Effect of Fluvastatin in Hypercholesterolaemic Patients on Maintenance Haemodialysis

Abstract

Patients undergoing haemodialysis are predisposed to serum lipid abnormalities that can accelerate the development of atherosclerosis. Serum lipid levels must therefore be controlled over a long period. For patients with reduced renal function (including dialysis patients), special attention must be paid to hyperlipidaemia therapy, particularly drug selection. In this study, 30 mg/day fluvastatin was administered orally to five patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis. Their serum lipid levels and blood biochemistry were monitored during the 6 months of fluvastatin administration, and the pharmacokinetic parameters calculated. The therapeutic efficacy and safety of fluvastatin were demonstrated in this patient group. Furthermore, fluvastatin is not influenced by the dialysis membrane and does not accumulate in haemodialysis patients with hyperlipidaemia.