Elena Crisan1,2, Vijaya K Patil3,4. 1. Department of Neurology, Edward Hines Jr VA Medical Center, 5000 S 5th Ave, Hines, IL, 60141, USA. elena.crisan2@va.gov. 2. Department of Neurology, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 S. First Ave, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA. elena.crisan2@va.gov. 3. Department of Neurology, Edward Hines Jr VA Medical Center, 5000 S 5th Ave, Hines, IL, 60141, USA. 4. Department of Neurology, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 S. First Ave, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA.
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. 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.
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-HMGCRmyopathy and its treatment. 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.