Dyslipidemias in patients who have chronic kidney disease

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at high risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Guidelines for managing dyslipidemia suggest that CKD patients with low-density lipoprotein greater than or equal to 100 mg/dL (2.59 mmol/L) should be treated with diet and a statin. The guidelines also make it clear, however, that the evidence supporting treatment in CKD populations is lacking, and that additional placebo-controlled trials are needed. The high incidence of cardiovascular disease makes intensive monitoring and treatment of dyslipidemias in patients with CKD a reasonable clinical approach.