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Decoding the Intricacies of Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Hyperlipidemia is the major cardiovascular morbidity and mortality risk factor. Statins are the first-line treatment for hyperlipidemia. Statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) are the main reason for the discontinuation of statins among patients. The purpose of this review is to guide clinicians to recognize the difference between self-limited and autoimmune statin myopathy in addition to the factors that potentiate them. Finally, treatment strategies will be discussed. This review mostly focuses on new data in the past 3 years.

Recent Findings

Recent findings suggest that SAMS is a complex and multifactorial condition that involves mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and immune-mediated mechanisms. Effective management of SAMS requires a thorough evaluation of the patient’s symptoms, risk factors, and medication history, as well as consideration of alternative treatment options.

Summary

While statins are effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, their use is associated with a range of adverse effects, including SAMS.

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Data Availability

No datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Johns Hopkins Myositis Center, Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Tara Fallah Rastegar & Lisa Christopher-Stine

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Science Center, Amarillo, TX, USA

    Imtiaz Ahmed Khan

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Contributions

TF and IK wrote the main manuscript text, and TF and LCS prepared fall tables and figures. LCS critically reviewed the manuscript, edited for content and clarity, and provided additional editorial support and writing. All authors reviewed the manuscript and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.

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Correspondence to Lisa Christopher-Stine.

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Conflict of Interest

Dr. Christopher-Stine has an intellectual property interest in the anti-HMGCR autoantibody testing and received royalties from Inova Diagnostics/Werfen for licensing of the anti-HMGCR antibody testing.

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Rastegar, T.F., Khan, I.A. & Christopher-Stine, L. Decoding the Intricacies of Statin-Associated Muscle Symptoms. Curr Rheumatol Rep (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-024-01143-y

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