An Israeli expert in neuromuscular diseases has examined the still controversial issue of statins in routine myological practice. Based on the literature, the author draws the following conclusions:
- this class of cholesterol-lowering drugs is known for its potential direct or indirect muscle toxicity, in the form of autoimmune necrotising myopathy (ANIM) or, less dramatically, simple myalgias or even transient rhabdomyolysis,
- however, these medications may still be useful in treating the co-morbidities present in some patients with neuromuscular disease,
- nevertheless, the author recommends that they be avoided more formally in most mitochondrial myopathies, in glycogenosis type V (McArdle) and myotonic dystrophy type 2,
- no-one has ever reported a definite association between an increased risk of NAMI in an inherited myopathy.
Nonetheless, these preventive measures should be considered on an individual basis, taking into account the risks and benefits on a case-by-case basis.
