[Impact of lipid lowering therapy on liver function]

Orv Hetil. 2009 Jun 28;150(26):1205-12. doi: 10.1556/OH.2009.28629.
[Article in Hungarian]

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Hungary. Hyperlipoproteinemia plays a key role in the development of these diseases. Based upon the results of previous prospective multicenter trials, effective lipid lowering therapy significantly reduces cardiovascular deaths and total morbidity. This beneficial effect correlates with the degree of the LDL-C reduction, which can be usually reached with high doses of statins. These drugs cause hepatotoxicity in 3% of the patients, when used in high doses. The authors briefly review the effects of the lipid lowering drugs and the potential mechanisms by which these drugs may provoke liver injury. They emphasize the fact, that lipid lowering drugs may be used safely in patients with elevated aminotransferase levels or even in subjects with certain definitive liver diseases. However, the clinicians should be cautious to use the appropriate dose and combination to reduce the possibility of the development of adverse events. With these, we can safely provide the beneficial effects of lipid lowering therapy to those with chronic liver disease and high cardiovascular risk.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury*
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Cholesterol, LDL / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Hyperlipoproteinemias / blood
  • Hyperlipoproteinemias / complications
  • Hyperlipoproteinemias / drug therapy
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Liver / drug effects*
  • Liver / metabolism*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver / physiopathology
  • Liver Diseases / metabolism
  • Liver Diseases / pathology
  • Liver Diseases / physiopathology
  • Liver Function Tests

Substances

  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
  • Hypolipidemic Agents