Use of Statins and Fibrates in Hyperlipidemic Patients with Neuromuscular Disorders
Authors: Nathalie M. Leung, Teik Chye Ooi, Matthew J. McQueen
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (2000)

Letters7 March 2000Use of Statins and Fibrates in Hyperlipidemic Patients with Neuromuscular DisordersNathalie M. Leung, MD, Teik Chye Ooi, MBBS, FRCPC, FRACP, and Matthew J. McQueen, MBChB, FRCPC, PhDNathalie M. Leung, MDUniversity of Ottawa; Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada (Leung)University of Ottawa; Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada (Ooi)McMaster University; Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada (McQueen)Search for more papers by this author, Teik Chye Ooi, MBBS, FRCPC, FRACPUniversity of Ottawa; Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada (Leung)University of Ottawa; Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada (Ooi)McMaster University; Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada (McQueen)Search for more papers by this author, and Matthew J. McQueen, MBChB, FRCPC, PhDUniversity of Ottawa; Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada (Leung)University of Ottawa; Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada (Ooi)McMaster University; Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada (McQueen)Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-132-5-200003070-00020 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:Therapy with statins and fibrates for hyperlipidemia may result in myositis and even rhabdomyolysis (1-3). The risk is increased when statins and fibrates are used in combination (4, 5). Myositis is especially undesirable in patients with underlying neuromuscular disorders. The literature contains no information on the use of statins and fibrates in such patients. We present a retrospective case series of patients with various neuromuscular disorders in whom statins, fibrates, or a combination of both was used.Seven hyperlipidemic patients with neuromuscular disorders were treated (Table). All had elevated creatine kinase levels before starting therapy, ranging from ...References1. Norman DJ, Illingworth DR, Munson J, Hosenpud J. Myolysis and acute renal failure in a heart-transplant patient receiving lovastatin. N Engl J Med. 1988;318:46-7. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar2. East C, Alivizatos PA, Grundy SM, Jones PH, Farmer JA. Rhabdomyolysis in patients with lovastatin after cardiac transplantation. N Engl J Med. 1988;318:47-8. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar3. Rush P, Baron M, Kapusta M. Clofibrate myopathy: a case report and review of the literature. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 1986;15:226-9. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar4. Marais GE, Larson KK. Rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure induced by combination lovastatin and gemfibrozil therapy. Ann Intern Med. 1990;112:228-30. LinkGoogle Scholar5. Pierce LR, Wysowski DK, Gross TP. Myopathy and rhabdomyolysis associated with lovastatin-gemfibrozil combination therapy. JAMA. 1990;264:71-5. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: University of Ottawa; Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada (Leung)University of Ottawa; Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 4E9, Canada (Ooi)McMaster University; Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3Z5, Canada (McQueen) PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited ByPolymyosites induites ou associées aux traitements hypolipémiants ?Drug-induced rheumatic syndromesLipid-lowering agents and myopathy3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors and rhabdomyolysis: considerations in the renal failure patient 7 March 2000Volume 132, Issue 5Page: 418-419KeywordsCase seriesCreatine kinaseHyperlipidemiaMotor neuronsMusclesMyositisMyotonic dystrophyRhabdomyolysisSigns and symptomsStatins Issue Published: 7 March 2000 CopyrightCopyright © 2000 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF DownloadLoading ...