The LIVES Sub-analysis Source: Kenjiro K, Hitoshi S, Koutaro Y, et al. Effects of pitavastatin (LIVALO tablet) on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in hypercholesterolemic patients with chronic kidney disease. Sub-analysis of the LIVALO Effectiveness and Safety (LIVES) study. J Atheroscler Thromb. 2010;17(6):601–619.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in addition to its progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is also associated with elevated risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A recent study reported in increased risk of coronary heart disease in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of CKD is an important prevention of CVD.

Aim: To estimate the efficacy of pitavastatin in eGFR in hypercholesterolemic patients with CKD.

Method: • This was a large-scale, long-term (104 weeks), prospective post-market surveillance study (n=20,279) of hypercholesterolemic patients who were treated with pitavastatin. • The primary endpoint of the study was to estimate the effects of pitavastatin on eGFR.

Results: • Patients with an eGFR of <60 mL/min/m2 were included in the analysis as cases of impaired renal function. A significant increase was seen in the eGFR at the end of 104 weeks after the treatment. • In the time-course of changes in the eGFR during pitavastatin treatment, there was an increase in the eGFR of 2.4 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 12 weeks, and 5.6 mL/min/1.73 m2 at 104 weeks (p<0.001). • Gender, age, presence or absence of hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, proteinuria and history of no previous lipid-lowering medication were identified as significant factors affecting changes in the eGFR during pitavastatin treatment.

Conclusion: Pitavastatin treatment for 104 weeks has noted an increased eGFR, which suggests its possible effect in hypercholesterolemic patients with CKD.