The Impact of Ezetimibe on Biochemical Markers of Cardiovascular Risk in Kidney Transplant Patients

The Impact of Ezetimibe on Biochemical Markers of Cardiovascular Risk in Kidney Transplant Patients

In kidney transplant patients atherosclerosis process is accelerated even in asymptomatic patients. This is mainly the consequence of immunosuppressive therapy. Dyslipidemia is treated with statins in low doses only as high doses can lead to rhabdomyolysis and are therefore contraindicated. As second lipid lowering agent most commonly ezetimibe is used. The investigators hypothesise that ezetimibe as a second lipid lowering drug in kidney transplant patients lowers LDL cholesterol for additional 10 per cent.

In addition to observing the lipid profile the investigators intend to look for other pathophysiological effects of ezetimibe, such as its influence on oxidative stress, endothelial function and inflammatory biochemical markers.

Inclusion Criteria:

LDL > 2.5 mM, Already treated with statin, Stable renal function of various GFR, Men or women older than 18 years, Signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

Acute heart disease or any heart disease in the last 3 months, kidney graft failure, active systemic inflammatory disease, active malignant disease, chronic diarrhea and malabsorption, transaminases increased > 3 fold, creatin kinase increased > 5 fold, hypersensitivity reactions, active peptic ulcer disease.