In kidney transplant patients atherosclerosis process is accelerated even in asymptomatic patients. This is mainly the consequence of immunosuppressive therapy. Dyslipidemia is treated with statins in low doses only as high doses can lead to rhabdomyolysis and are therefore contraindicated. As second lipid lowering agent most commonly ezetimibe is used. The investigators hypothesise that ezetimibe as a second lipid lowering drug in kidney transplant patients lowers LDL cholesterol for additional 10 per cent.
In addition to observing the lipid profile the investigators intend to look for other pathophysiological effects of ezetimibe, such as its influence on oxidative stress, endothelial function and inflammatory biochemical markers.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
80
Patients on standard immunosuppressive therapy with statin will be added ezetimibe for 6 months. Thereafter ezetimibe will be discontinued for three months. Biochemical parameters will be analysed at the time of enrolment, after 3 months, 6 months and 9 months.
University Medical Center Ljubljana
Ljubljana, Slovenia, Slovenia
Decrease of LDL cholesterol concentration.
The investigators expect the LDL cholesterol concentration to lower for at least 10%.
Time frame: At enrolment, at three, six and nine months thereafter.
Change in oxidative markers
Change in oxidative markers, inflammation and endothelial function.
Time frame: At enrolment, at three, six and nine months thereafter.
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