Statin-Induced Rhabdomyolysis, Acute Kidney Injury, and Hepatitis Leading to Death.

BACKGROUND Statins are effective in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and are generally safe, but can rarely result in devastating adverse effects. With the increasing indications and prescriptions of statins, rare adverse effects are more likely to be seen and reported. Unfortunately, there are no accurate predictive tools to estimate the risk of developing these adverse effects. Post-marketing surveillance helps in collecting data on adverse effects and assists in developing better prognostic tools that can help physicians make better therapeutic decisions. CASE REPORT A 67-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with generalized body aches, muscle weakness, jaundice, dark urine, and decreased urine output. He was started on atorvastatin 4 months prior to presentation after having an episode of myocardial infarction, and he was diagnosed as having statin-induced hepatitis, rhabdomyolysis, and acute kidney injury. A basic workup excluded other possible causes. The patient, unfortunately, died of unknown causes on day 6 after admission, and an autopsy was not performed. CONCLUSIONS Statins are effective and safe but can result in rare and dangerous adverse effects. Physicians should counsel their patients on proper identification and timely reporting of such adverse effects. Physicians also should be encouraged to report any adverse drug reactions and help in promoting post-marketing surveillance studies. The present case is an excellent example of the importance of these studies, especially for commonly-used drugs.

Incidence of hypoglycaemia in patients with type-2 diabetes taking multiple glucose lowering therapies during Ramadan: the PROFAST Ramadan Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of hypoglycemia in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on three or more anti-diabetic medications during Ramadan. STUDY DESIGN METHODS: We have studied people with T2DM on three or more glucose-lowering drugs during Ramadan of H1438 (May-June 2017). The dose of each drug was adjusted according to a pre-specified protocol. The incidence of symptomatic or blood glucose confirmed hypoglycemia was recorded during the study. RESULTS: We enrolled 228 people with T2DM; 181 completed the study, and data on hypoglycaemia was available in 172 subjects. There were 115 males and 66 females, (mean age ± SD) 53.6 ± 9.7 years, diabetes duration 10 ± 6 yrs. The incidence of hypoglycaemia was 16.3% (28/172). Univariable logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of hypoglycaemia was increased in Arab subjects compared to Qatari; in those with longer duration of diabetes; and in those on four or more anti-diabetic medications compared to those on three anti-diabetic medications. CONCLUSION: Despite the tailored advice, there is a high incidence of hypoglycemia in people with T2DM taking multiple glucose lowering therapies whilst fasting during Ramadan. Guidelines should address the increased complexity in anti-diabetic medications in patients who fast during Ramadan. Healthcare providers should individualize the modifications in anti-diabetic medications during Ramadan.