Dyslipidemia in nephrotic syndrome

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasingly prevalent in the general population and is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease. There are numerous factors that contribute to this health problem, including hypertension, disordered calcium homeostasis, and endothelial dysfunction. Dyslipidemia is another prominent feature of the CKD syndrome that potentiates the development of atherosclerosis and the risk of premature cardiovascular events. The impact of kidney disease on lipid metabolism varies, depending on the underlying renal disorder. Thus, the presence or absence of nephrotic syndrome, the stage of kidney failure, and concomitant medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus yield varying effects on lipid synthesis, degradation, and clearance. This chapter examines the lipid profile, underlying pathophysiological mechanism, and treatment of the dyslipidemia observed in patients with nephrotic syndrome, CKD, and diabetic nephropathy.