Neurológia pre prax 3/2020

Statins and their influence on peripheral nervous system

Manifestation of artherosclerosis is the most frequent patogenetic factor. Statins, fibrates and ezetimib are used in prevention and therapy of arterosclerosis. Statins are inhibitors HMG-CoA reductasis and they are blocking not only cholesterol synthesis, but also synthesis of other important substances – e.g. coenzyme Q10. From the unwanted effects of statins the muscle disorders are the most frequent, neuromuscular junction disorders are rare and there are described peripheral nervous system disorders. Nowadays, the former epidemiological statistical data were reevaluated and occurence of peripheral statin-induced neuropathy (sensory-motor, axonal, with nerve fiber lesion according to the lenght) is not frequent. Statins have influence on development of sensory and autonomic ganglionopathy and also on ALS manifestation.

Keywords: statins, peripheral neuropathy, ganglionopathy, ALS, neuropathic pain