Long-Term Efficacy of Atorvastatin in Allograft Rejection Following Renal Transplantation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

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.