Statin associated myopathy in the elderly. A case report

Abstract

Statins are among the most widely taken hypolipidemic drugs. However, observational studies estimate that 10 to 15% of patients taking statins develop statin-related muscle adverse effects known as statin-associated myopathy. Our case report is an older man aged 72 years old, suffered from several diseases such as renal ablation. The patient presented with dementia, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes and a heart failure. Atorvastatin (TAHOR 80mg) is one of the multiple medications that the patient was taking (more than13 drugs/day). Seven months after the initiation of treatment with atorvastatin, patient’s physical performance had deteriorated: restriction in mobility until a total immobilization has happened at the end of three years. The dosage of atorvastatin was reduced thereafter, so the patient’s state had improved progressively until walking without any problems after ten months. During this period, the only therapeutic change that was performed was the removal of a neuroleptic drug: Levomepromazin (NOZINAN 25mg). At present, no study puts a link between the neuroleptic’s removal and improvement of mobility; however, statins are clearly documented in several studies and directly linked to muscular problems mainly when they are used with higher dosages.