Abstract: PO1509
Proteinuria and Hematuria, an Unfamiliar Side Effect of Statin Therapy
Session Information
- Glomerular Diseases: The Excitement of Clinical Cases
November 04, 2021 | Location: On-Demand, Virtual Only
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Glomerular Diseases
- 1202 Glomerular Diseases: Immunology and Inflammation
Authors
- Thierry, Marco B., The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, United States
- Varela, Daniel, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, United States
- Alsabbagh, Mourad, DHR Health, Edinburg, Texas, United States
- Trevino Manllo, Sergio A., DHR Health, Edinburg, Texas, United States
- Mangi, Salil, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, Texas, United States
Introduction
Statins are among the most commonly prescribed medications worldwide, and have a relatively mild side effect profile. We describe a rare manifestation of statin therapy, with proteinuria and microscopic hematuria.
Case Description
A 53-year old Hispanic lady with a history of proteinuria and hematuria for 1 year with negative Urologic workup was referred to nephrology for further evaluation. Patient complained of foamy urine. Her only medication was rosuvastatin 40 mg. Initial UA showed 2+ protein and 5-10 RBC/HPF. Lab work - BUN 16, creatinine 1.0 mg/dL, albumin 4.8 mg/dL , Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio 2.1 g/g creatinine. Serologies were negative and complement levels were normal. Patient was started on ARB and a low sodium diet for proteinuria. Proteinuria persisted and renal biopsy was recommended with suspicion of IgA nephropathy. Biopsy showed mild glomerular and tubular interstitial chronic injury likely secondary to arteriosclerosis. There was no immune complex deposition and no evidence of thin basement membrane disease. Genetic workup was negative for Alport’s syndrome. Because of the rare association of Rosuvastatin with urinary abnormalities, we decided to hold patient’s Rosuvastatin. Only three days later the patient reported that foamy urine had resolved. Repeat UPCR showed 99 mg protein/g creatinine. Hematuria also decreased to 0-2 RBC/HPF.
Discussion
Proteinuria is one of the lesser known side effects of statin therapy. It was initially found in the clinical development programme for Rosuvastatin, where it was found that the 80 mg dose caused proteinuria in 12% of patients. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of the renal effects of rosuvastatin, found that 1.2% of patients taking 40 mg of rosuvastatin developed 2+ proteinuria, and 0.3% developed 2+ proteinuria and 1+ hematuria. Our case highlights a rare manifestation of Rosuvastatin induced urinary abnormalities, which improve after stopping the drug. This should be kept in mind for patients on Rosuvastatin with negative workup for proteinuria and hematuria, before a renal biopsy is pursued.