Statins use and the risk of acute kidney injury: a meta-analysis.

The association between statins use and the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) remains elusive. We aimed to evaluate the association of statins use with AKI risk by performing a meta-analysis. Twenty-one studies were included in our meta-analysis by searching electronic databases according to predefined criteria. No significant association between statins use and AKI risk was observed in overall populations, Caucasians, Asians, and patients undergoing cardiac and elective surgery (p=0.816, 0.981, 0.18, 0.709, and 0.122). Statins use decreased the risk of contrast-induced AKI (CIN) (p=0.005) and increased AKI risk in patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP) (p=0.006). Meta-regression analyses showed almost no impact on the pooled ORs of age and study length for overall populations. Exclusion of any single study had little impact on the pooled ORs. In conclusion, statins use is not associated with the risk of AKI in overall populations, Caucasians, Asians, and patients undergoing cardiac and elective surgery. Statins use decreases the risk of CIN and may increase the risk of AKI in CAP patients.