The potential role of statins in contrast nephropathy

Contrast-Induced Nephropathy and the Vascular Patient

“…11 Additionally, statins lower serum cystatin C levels. 21 Taken together with the statin-induced lower CIN rates, [14][15][16][17][18][19][20] these data support high-dose statin pretreatment in all patients who are candidates for percutaneous coronary or vascular interventions.…”

“…27 In contrast, statins significantly ''improve'' renal function in this and other trials. [27][28][29] Statins, therefore, exert several beneficial effects in both CIN [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] and diabetic nephropathy, [26][27][28][29] maintaining/improving renal function. This double effect renders statin use in diabetic patients mandatory, especially when scheduled to undergo a percutaneous coronary or vascular procedure.…”

Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Artery Disease: Update and Practical Clinical Applications

“…Recent retrospective reviews of patients with renal impairment undergoing angiography suggests that the risk of CIN was lower in patients in whom a statin was initiated before the procedure (Khanal et al, 2005). These findings reinforce the rationale for the introduction of statin therapy before undergoing diagnostic or interventional coronary angiography, particularly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (Attallah et al, 2004). Hypomagnesemia, serum magnesium level less than 2 mEq/L, may also be a correctable risk factor for CIN in patients with renal dysfunction.…”

Preventing radiocontrast-induced nephropathy in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing coronary angiography

“…Given the potential role of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of RCIN, statins might reduce contrast media nephrotoxicity by removing free radicals [133][134][135] . The possibility that statins might be beneficial in reducing the incidence of contrast-induced acute renal failure has been examined in several observational studies [136][137][138] and RCTs [139][140][141][142] . The earliest study by Attallah et al [130] reviewed a database of 1002 patients with renal insufficiency undergoing coronary angiography.…”