Cardiovascular mortality remains the leading cause of death in hemodialysis patients. Inflammation has a role in the development of accelerated atherosclerosis, vascular calcification, malnutrition and anemia. The pleiotropic effect of statins in reducing chronic inflammatory processes of patients undergoing hemodialysis can reduce cardiovascular mortality in dialysis population. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the effects of low and intermittent doses of simvastatin on inflammatory markers, anemia parameters and lipid profile for hemodialysis patients. Clinically-stable patients undergoing haemodialysis were classified according to their baseline LDL-cholesterol levels in two groups: those with levels below 100mg/dl (Group 1) and those with levels equal to or greater than 100mg/dl (Group-2), and were treated with simvastatin during eight weeks. Group 1 received 20mg only after each session of haemodialysis (intermittent dose), whereas Group 2 received 20mg/daily. Laboratory data, erythropoietin resistance index and nutritional parameters were obtained before and after treatment. A significant reduction in C-reactive protein levels in both groups was observed (50.3 %± 11.7 vs. 34% ± 14.3 p=0.021). In group 1, significant reduction of LDL levels (79.2 ± 13.7 vs. 54.5 ± 18.7, p=0.001), the levels of TG (from 118.2 ± 45.4 mg / dl to 99.8 ± 42.1 mg / dl, p =0.030), and 8.9% for the levels of cholesterol (from 128.5 ± 9.9 mg / dl to 117 ± 12.8 mg / dl, p = 0001).And we observed that there was a significant rise in average 23% for the levels of HDL (from 28.2 ± 4.5 to 36.6 ± 3.7 mg / dl, p = 0001). There was also a tendency towards reduced resistance to erythropoietin (234.3 ± 45 227.2 ± 29.9, p=0.563). It can be concluded that the intermittent doses proved to be as effective as the usual dose in reducing C-reactive protein levels and resistance to erythropoietin and LDL level indicating an important reduction of the cardiovascular risk evaluated by these parameters.
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