A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society has revealed that statins, commonly used cholesterol-lowering medications, do not negatively impact kidney function in older adults. This research was led by clinical professors Michelle Fravel and Michael Ernst from the University of Iowa's College of Pharmacy, examining the connection between statin use and kidney function in older adults.

Research Summary

The investigation, titled “Effects of statins on kidney function in older adults”, was published online on December 18, 2024. The research utilized data from a large clinical trial involving over 18,000 older adults from the United States and Australia, conducted between 2010 and 2017. Among the participants, approximately one in five had chronic kidney disease (CKD), and the median age of those with CKD was 76 years, while it was 74 years for those without.

The research aimed to explore changes in two primary indicators of kidney function:

  • Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
  • Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (UACR)

Key Findings

The study concluded that statin use does not enhance kidney function, which contradicted some previous studies that had hypothesized a potential benefit. Importantly, the data showed that these medications do not have any detrimental effects on kidney health either. Below is a summary of the findings:

Indicator Conclusion
eGFR No significant change associated with statin use
UACR No adverse impact from statin medications

These results support the notion that statins are safe for kidney function in older adults, regardless of chronic kidney disease status. The authors emphasize that concerns about potential kidney harm should not inhibit the use of statins in this population for indications such as cardiovascular disease prevention.

Implications for Patient Care

As older adults are at heightened risk of both cardiovascular events and decline in kidney function, understanding the safety profile of statins is crucial. The researchers argue that the lack of negative association between statin use and kidney function provides a significant insight for clinicians. The findings indicate that primary care providers should not hesitate to prescribe statins when indicated, enhancing treatment options for patients battling cardiovascular risks.

“The data supports the kidney safety of statins in older adults with or without chronic kidney disease,” the authors affirm.

Research Team and Publication

The study's corresponding author, Michelle A. Fravel, collaborated with several co-authors, including:

  • Michael Ernst
  • Robyn Woods
  • Suzanne Orchard
  • Kevan Polkinghorne
  • Rory Wolfe
  • Mark Nelson
  • Elisa Bongetti
  • Sophia Zoungas
  • Zhen Zhou
  • James Wetmore
  • Anne Murray

More detailed findings can be reviewed in the full article: Effects of statins on kidney function in older adults, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (2024).

Conclusion

The analysis conducted by the University of Iowa provides vital information regarding the safety of statins in elderly patients, particularly concerning kidney health. This research reinforces the position that statin therapy remains a viable option for managing cholesterol levels and reducing cardiovascular risks without adversely affecting kidney function.

Literature Cited

Michelle A. Fravel et al. (2024). Effects of statins on kidney function in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. DOI: 10.1111/jgs.19319