1. Use of Statins in Kidney Transplant Recipients in Norway.
- Author
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Rønning M, Hjellvik V, Sakshaug S, Blix HS, Midtvedt K, Reisæter AV, Holdaas H, and Åsberg A
- Subjects
- Female, Humans, Immunosuppressive Agents therapeutic use, Male, Norway epidemiology, Cardiovascular Diseases chemically induced, Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors therapeutic use, Kidney Transplantation
- Abstract
Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) experience increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Guidelines recommend HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy when tolerated. We aimed to study changes in the prescription of statins and patients' adherence to treatment over time. A population-based observational study utilizing linked data from the Norwegian Renal Registry (national coverage of 99.9%) and the Norwegian Prescription Database was performed. Data from a total of 2250 first KTRs were included (mean age-54 years, 69% men). Dispensed prescriptions of statins and immunosuppressants for the period 2004-2016 for all first KTRs engrafted in the period 2005-2015 were analyzed. Seventy-two percent received statins the first year after kidney transplantation and the proportion increased with age. The proportion receiving a statin varied according to the time frame of transplantation (77% in 2005-2010 vs. 66% in 2012-2015). Among new users of statins, 82% of the patients were adherent both the second and third year after kidney transplantation, while the corresponding figure for those already receiving statins before transplantation was 97%. Statin continuation rates in KTRs were high. In conclusion, our findings show a slightly lower overall proportion of patients receiving statins after kidney transplants than the national target level of 80%. The proportion of statin users increased with the age of the KTRs but showed a decreasing trend as time progressed.
- Published
- 2022
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