Statins are a class of
drug that can efficiently reduce the level of
low-density lipoprotein (
LDL) as well as increase the
LDL receptors. Several non-
lipid-lowering effects of this type of
drug have been described. It is reported that they have an influence in preventing graft rejection, especially of the acute type. In this study, patients with
end-stage renal disease and candidates for
kidney transplantation were divided into two groups. Group A (intervention group) received
atorvastatin for two weeks prior to their transplant surgery while group B (control group) received placebo. The
lipid profile was tested (
triglycerides,
cholesterol, LDL) in all patients two weeks before the
transplantation. After
transplantation,
drug use was stopped. We also checked the
LDL serum levels in patients with raised
lipid levels (
LDL >100) every two weeks. After this period, the serum
lipid levels were checked monthly up to six months.
Hyperlipidemia, when present, was controlled by
fibrates. Concerning the rejection episodes, there was no significant difference between the two groups. In group A (13 men and nine women), three (14.3%) cases of rejection were observed whereas four (21.3%) cases of rejection were seen in group B (11 men and 10 women) (P = 0.5). Within group A, five (22.7%) cases of
delayed graft function were found while four (19%) similar cases were observed in group B (P = 0.7). There was no statistically significant difference concerning
delayed graft function between the two groups. Despite all the mechanisms attributed to the probable anti-rejection properties of
statins, we found no significant correlation with the administration of these drugs before
transplantation and the protection against graft rejection episodes.