Statin use is associated with a 30-36% increased incidence of acute and chronic kidney disease

This study was published in the American Journal of Cardiology December 01, 2015

Study title and authors:
Statin Use and the Risk of Kidney Disease With Long-Term Follow-Up (8.4-Year Study)
Tushar Acharya, MD, Jian Huang, MD, Steven Tringali, DO, Christopher R. Frei, PharmD, MSc, Eric M. Mortensen, MD, MSc, Ishak A. Mansi, MD
This study can be accessed at: http://www.ajconline.org/article/S0002-9149(15)02315-2/abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the association of statin use with incidence of acute and chronic kidney diseases. The study lasted for 8.4 years and included 43,438 individuals, (average age 56 years): 13,626 statin users and 29,812 nonusers. In the study the researchers matched 6,342 statin users with 6,342 nonusers.

The study found:
(a) Statin users had a 30% increased risk of acute kidney injury compared to non-users.
(b) Statin users had a 36% increased risk of chronic kidney disease compared to non-users.
(c) Statin users had a 35% increased risk of nephritis/nephrosis/renal sclerosis compared to non-users.

In a separate analysis, the researchers also matched 3,351 "healthy" statin users with 3,351 nonusers. At the start of the study these individuals were all free of diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and conditions that might limit life expectancy or physical activity.

(d) This separate analysis found that these initially "healthy" statin users had a 53% increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease compared to non-users.

Acharya concluded: "Statin use is associated with increased incidence of acute and chronic kidney disease."

Links to other studies:
Statins increase the risk of diabetes in kidney transplant patients
NSAIDs and statins increase the risk of renal cell carcinoma
The unintended adverse effects of statins in men and women