OBJECTIVEWhether statins can slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of statin therapy on disease progression in adult patients with CKD who did not require dialysis therapy.

METHODSWe searched the electronic databases for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published by February 2015. Random-effects meta-analysis of RCTs was used to pool the renal outcomes of the patients.

RESULTSTwenty-eight studies (30 RCTs) involving a total of 45 688 participants were included in the analysis. Compared with the control groups, statins produced no effects in preventing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) [relative risks (RR) 0.98, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.91-1.05] and in reducing the risk of doubling of the serum creatinine level (RR 1.43, 95% CI: 0.26-7.79). Statin therapy was associated with a lowered risk of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction by 25% or more (RR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83-0.99) and delayed the reduction of eGFR [standardized mean differences (SMD) 0.04, 95% CI: 0.02-0.07]. In subgroup analyses, the benefit of statins on changes in eGFR was statistically significant in patients with moderate CKD (SMD 0.09, 95% CI 0.04-0.13). Among different statins, atorvastatin was associated with a beneficial effect on kidney function (SMD 0.10, 95% CI 0.03-0.17). Patients who received high-intensity statin therapy showed significant changes in eGFR (SMD 0.12, 95% CI: 0.02-0.21).

CONCLUSIONStatin therapies may not prevent ESRD or doubling of serum creatinine level, but can improve GFR or delay the reduction of GFR in CKD patients. The therapeutic effects are associated with the patients' baseline eGFR levels, statin types and therapy intensity.