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Neuromuscular Complications of Statin Therapy

  • Neurology of Systemic Diseases (J. Biller, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review provides an overview of neuromuscular side effects associated with statin use, their diagnosis, and treatment.

Recent Findings

The discovery of anti-HMGCR antibodies led to a better understanding of clinical aspects of statin-associated anti-HMGCR myopathy and its treatment.

Summary

Statins are widely prescribed medications with well-established benefits in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Adherence to statins is influenced by development of side effects, especially muscle related. There is wide range of neuromuscular side effects associated with statin therapy. Documented neuromuscular side effects include asymptomatic elevation of muscle enzymes, mild-moderate myalgias and cramps, toxic and immune-mediated severe necrotizing myopathy, and rare cases of rhabdomyolysis. In addition, statins can lead to unmasking or triggering of underlying muscle and neuromuscular junction disorders. This article identifies the risk factors and provides a review of neuromuscular side effects associated with statin use, their diagnosis and treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Edward Hines Jr VA Medical Center, 5000 S 5th Ave, Hines, IL, 60141, USA

    Elena Crisan & Vijaya K. Patil

  2. Department of Neurology, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 S. First Ave, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA

    Elena Crisan & Vijaya K. Patil

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  1. Elena Crisan
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Correspondence to Elena Crisan.

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Crisan, E., Patil, V.K. Neuromuscular Complications of Statin Therapy. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 20, 47 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-020-01064-0

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