The safety of statins in children

Acta Paediatr. 2013 Sep;102(9):857-62. doi: 10.1111/apa.12280. Epub 2013 May 15.

Abstract

Current American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines recommended that statins should be considered as a first-line agent in children as early as 8 years of age. The aim of our work is to assess the safety of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors in children with hypercholesterolaemia.

Conclusion: Controlled studies in children show that statin monotherapy is efficacious, well tolerated and safe in the short-time. Unfortunately, these studies have relatively short-term follow-up periods, and therefore, long-term safety remains unclear.

Keywords: Children; HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors; Safety.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Child
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Hypercholesterolemia / diagnosis*
  • Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy*
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Patient Safety
  • Patient Selection
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors