Statins and muscle pain

Introduction: Statins remain among the most frequently prescribed drugs and constitute a cornerstone in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, muscle symptoms are often reported from patients on statins. Muscle symptoms are frequently reported as adverse events associated with statin therapy. Areas covered: In the present narrative review, statin-associated muscle pain is discussed. It elucidates potential mechanisms and possible targets for management. Expert opinion: In general, the evidence in support of muscle pain caused by statins is in some cases equivocal and not particularly strong. Reported symptoms are difficult to quantify. Rarely is it possible to establish a causal link between statins and muscle pain. In randomized controlled trials, statins are well tolerated, and muscle-pain related side-effects is similar to placebo. There are also nocebo effects of statins. Exchange of statin may be beneficial although all statins have been associated with muscle pain. In some patients reduction of dose is worth trying, especially in primary prevention Although the benefits of statins outweigh potential risks in the vast majority of cases, careful clinical judgment may be necessary in certain cases to manage potential side effects on an individual basis

Nerve Transfer for Elbow Flexion in Radiation-Induced Brachial Plexopathy: A Case Report

Radiation-induced brachial plexopathy is an uncommon but devastating late complication seen in patients receiving radiation therapy to the chest wall and axilla. Treatment options are unfortunately limited. We report a case of a 59-year-old woman treated with radiation therapy for breast cancer 12 years earlier, who presented with loss of elbow flexion and marked shoulder weakness. Electromyogram and intraoperative stimulation of the musculocutaneous nerve branches were consistent with a proximal motor nerve conduction block. Microsurgical transfer of median and ulnar nerve fascicles to the biceps and brachialis branches of the musculocutaneous nerve, respectively, were performed. The patient recovered MRC grade 4/5 elbow flexion after surgery. The characteristics of this disorder and surgical treatment options are reviewed