Intensive lipid lowering with 80 mg atorvastatin yields significantly greater benefits on renal function as compared to 10 mg atorvastatin in stable CHD: Analysis of Treating to New Targets (TNT) study
TNT: Sub-analysis Evaluating Renal Function
TNT: Sub-analysis Evaluating Renal Function
Introduction
Aim
To compare the effect on renal function with 80 mg atorvastatin vs. 10 mg atorvastatin in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD)
Methods
Analysis of TNT study
Patients
Stable CHD with complete data on renal function parameters (N=9656)
Study Groups
Atorvastatin 80 mg (N=4827) vs. Atorvastatin 10 mg (N=4829)
Median Follow-up Period
5 years
Efficacy Outcome Measure
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at baseline and end of follow-up
Results
- There was a progressive increase in eGFR in both treatment groups; however, the increase in eGFR was significantly greater in patients receiving 80 mg atorvastatin (8.3%) vs. those receiving 10 mg atorvastatin (5.6%) [Figure 1]
- CKD patients had a greater increase in eGFR from baseline and patients with low LDL had significantly greater improvement in eGFR
- In the group receiving 80 mg atorvastatin, significantly lesser patients had worsening of renal function and significantly greater patients had improvement in renal function (Figure 2)
- Significantly fewer CKD patients experienced a decline in eGFR of >25% in the 80 mg group (3.4%) vs. 10 mg group (5.3%)
Safety
There were similar incidences of adverse events in both the treatment groups, with no reports of hematuria or proteinuria
Conclusion
In addition to improved lipid control and further reductions in major CV events, benefits of aggressive atorvastatin therapy extend to significant improvements in renal function over that achieved with lower dosage atorvastatin therapy
Clinical Implications
Lowering LDL cholesterol levels to well below 100 mg/dl with high-dosage atorvastatin seems to maximize renal benefits in high-risk patients with CHD and should not be contraindicated in moderate CKD.
Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2007 Oct 17; [Epub ahead of print]








