2011 NLA Scientific Sessions Highlights

Dr Foody focused on the unintended consequences of formulary changes and the potentially harmful effects, with respect to providing evidence-based care or meeting therapeutic goals. She noted that in the United Kingdom (UK), forced switching of high-dose to low-dose statin resulted in higher rates of death, cardiac death, and non-cardiac death in individuals switched to the lower dose.

Severe statin myopathy is usually defined as severe muscle damage with damage to another organ, such as a kidney, and creatinine kinase (CK) ≥10 x upper limit of normal (ULN). However, some severely affected patients have serum CK <10 x ULN. Of 166 patients with severe statin myopathy referred to Dr Vladutiu's laboratory, 40% had CK ≥10 x ULN, 30% had CK 4-9 x ULN, and 10-15% had CK 2-3 x ULN.

In his presentation, Dr Westman sought to dispel some "myths" and answer criticisms about the low-carbohydrate (low-carb) diet. He maintains that someone in a wheelchair can lose weight, even if they do not exercise, just by changing their diet.

Individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have raised levels of triglycerides and decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), as well as elevations in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).