1
|
Shin JI, Fine DM, Sang Y, Surapaneni A, Dunning SC, Inker LA, Nolin TD, Chang AR, Grams ME. Association of Rosuvastatin Use with Risk of Hematuria and Proteinuria. J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 33:1767-1777. [PMID: 35853713 PMCID: PMC9529194 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2022020135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite reports of hematuria and proteinuria with rosuvastatin use at the time of its approval by the US Food and Drug Association (FDA), little postmarketing surveillance exists to assess real-world risk. Current labeling suggests dose reduction (maximum daily dose of 10 mg) for patients with severe CKD. METHODS Using deidentified electronic health record data, we analyzed 152,101 and 795,799 new users of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin, respectively, from 2011 to 2019. We estimated inverse probability of treatment-weighted hazard ratios (HRs) of hematuria, proteinuria, and kidney failure with replacement therapy (KFRT) associated with rosuvastatin. We reported the initial rosuvastatin dose across eGFR categories and evaluated for a dose effect on hematuria and proteinuria. RESULTS Overall, we identified 2.9% of patients with hematuria and 1.0% with proteinuria during a median follow-up of 3.1 years. Compared with atorvastatin, rosuvastatin was associated with increased risk of hematuria (HR, 1.08; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.04 to 1.11), proteinuria (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.25), and KFRT (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.30). A substantial share (44%) of patients with eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2 was prescribed high-dose rosuvastatin (20 or 40 mg daily). Risk was higher with higher rosuvastatin dose. CONCLUSIONS Compared with atorvastatin, rosuvastatin was associated with increased risk of hematuria, proteinuria, and KFRT. Among patients with eGFR <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2, 44% were prescribed a rosuvastatin daily dose exceeding the FDA's recommended 10 mg daily dose. Our findings suggest the need for greater care in prescribing and monitoring rosuvastatin, particularly in patients who receive high doses or who have severe CKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Im Shin
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Derek M. Fine
- Division of Nephrology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yingying Sang
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Aditya Surapaneni
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | | | - Lesley A. Inker
- Division of Nephrology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Thomas D. Nolin
- Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Alex R. Chang
- Kidney Health Research Institute, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Morgan E. Grams
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ward FL, John R, Bargman JM, McQuillan RF. Renal Tubular Toxicity Associated With Rosuvastatin Therapy. Am J Kidney Dis 2016; 69:473-476. [PMID: 27856086 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2016.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Preapproval clinical trials examining the safety and efficacy of rosuvastatin demonstrated an increased incidence of proteinuria, hematuria, rhabdomyolysis, and other acute kidney injury of unknown cause at high doses. The latter cases manifested with urine sediment findings and in some cases, renal histology, indicating renal tubular injury in the absence of rhabdomyolysis. Despite these provocative findings, there have been very few reports in the literature regarding non-rhabdomyolysis-mediated acute kidney injury associated with high-dose rosuvastatin since its widespread introduction more than a decade ago, suggesting that it is either a rare entity or systematically underdiagnosed and under-reported. We present a case of renal tubular toxicity attributable to the initiation of rosuvastatin treatment at a dose of 40mg in a patient with no prior evidence of kidney disease. Tubular toxicity should be considered in cases of unexplained kidney injury in the setting of exposure to a potent statin such as rosuvastatin, particularly at high dose. The limited evidence suggests a good kidney prognosis following withdrawal of the agent in these cases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank L Ward
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Rohan John
- Department of Pathology, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Joanne M Bargman
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Rory F McQuillan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Katz AJ, Ryan PB, Racoosin JA, Stang PE. Assessment of case definitions for identifying acute liver injury in large observational databases. Drug Saf 2014; 36:651-61. [PMID: 23670723 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-013-0060-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Determining the aetiology of acute liver injury (ALI) may be challenging to both clinicians and researchers. Observational research is particularly useful in studying rare medical outcomes such as ALI; however, case definitions for ALI in previous observational studies lack consistency and sensitivity. ALI is a clinically important condition with various aetiologies, including drug exposure. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate four distinct case definitions for ALI across a diverse set of large observational databases, providing a better understanding of ALI prevalence and natural history. DATA SOURCES Seven healthcare databases: GE Healthcare, MarketScan(®) Lab Database, Humana Inc., Partners HealthCare System, Regenstrief Institute, SDI Health (now IMS Health, Inc.), and the National Patient Care Database of the Veterans Health Administration. METHODS We evaluated prevalence of ALI through the application of four distinct case definitions across seven observational healthcare databases. We described how laboratory and clinical characteristics of identified case populations varied across definitions and examined the prevalence of other hepatobiliary disorders among identified ALI cases that may decrease suspicion of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in particular. RESULTS This study demonstrated that increasing the restrictiveness of the case definition resulted in fewer cases, but greater prevalence of ALI clinical features. Considerable heterogeneity in the frequency of laboratory testing and results observed among cases meeting the most restrictive definition suggests that the clinical features, monitoring patterns and suspicion of ALI are highly variable among patients. CONCLUSIONS Creation of four distinct case definitions and application across a disparate set of observational databases resulted in significant variation in the prevalence of ALI. A greater understanding of the natural history of ALI through examination of electronic healthcare data can facilitate development of reliable and valid ALI case definitions that may enhance the ability to accurately identify associations between ALI and drug exposures. Considerable heterogeneity in laboratory values and frequency of laboratory testing among individuals meeting the criteria for ALI suggests that the evaluation of ALI is highly variable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J Katz
- UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Policy and Outcomes, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schuster H. The GALAXY Program: an update on studies investigating efficacy and tolerability of rosuvastatin for reducing cardiovascular risk. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2014; 5:177-93. [PMID: 17338663 DOI: 10.1586/14779072.5.2.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The GALAXY Program is a series of clinical studies investigating the efficacy and tolerability of rosuvastatin in line with the hypothesis that the statin with the greatest efficacy for improving the atherogenic lipid profile and beneficially modifying inflammatory markers will also slow progression of atherosclerosis and improve cardiovascular outcomes. Completed studies report that rosuvastatin is more effective than comparator statins in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, improving the lipid profile and enabling patients to achieve lipid goals, including revised, more stringent goals, even in high-risk patients. Studies have also reported that rosuvastatin can arrest and even regress atherosclerosis. Ongoing outcomes studies will determine whether these beneficial effects of rosuvastatin translate into reduced morbidity and mortality.
Collapse
|
5
|
Kapur NK. Rosuvastatin: a highly potent statin for the prevention and management of coronary artery disease. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2014; 5:161-75. [PMID: 17338662 DOI: 10.1586/14779072.5.2.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Since the identification of a fungal metabolite that inhibits HMG-CoA reductase in 1976, statins have emerged rapidly as the global leader in pharmacotherapeutics designed to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). In conjunction, practice guidelines have recommended increasingly aggressive measures to improve coronary heart disease (CHD) outcomes by lowering LDL-C. By virtue of unique chemical characteristics, enhanced binding thermodynamics and limited cytochrome P450 3A4 metabolism, rosuvastatin calcium has a safety profile in line with currently marketed statins, but a different efficacy profile. Mirroring this chemical profile, the GALAXY program represents a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of rosuvastatin in individuals representing various clinical diagnoses, pathophysiological states and ethnicities. Also results from the Justification for the Use of statins in Primary prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin (JUPITER) study could provide further evidence for the use of rosuvastatin in individuals with traditional and emerging CHD risk factors, such as an elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein level. This review will provide a comprehensive evaluation of the chemistry, clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of rosuvastatin, and discuss the future role in the management of CHD and atherosclerosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Navin K Kapur
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Carnegie Bldg, Room #568, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Goettsch W. Interview: European collaboration in relative effectiveness assessment: the use of patient registries and development of common guidelines. J Comp Eff Res 2013; 2:371-3. [PMID: 24236677 DOI: 10.2217/cer.13.38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Wim Goettsch is currently the Project Leader of Work Package 5 of the European Network of Health Technology Assessment (EUnetHTA) Joint Action 2 (2012-2015). EUnetHTA is a network of the health technology assessment organizations in Europe responsible for advising or deciding on the national reimbursement of pharmaceuticals and other health technologies. In this work package, rapid joint assessments of the relative effectiveness of pharmaceuticals are piloted between more than 25 health technology assessment organizations around Europe. These pilots are based on the methodology that was developed in a similar work package in EUnetHTA JA1 (2010-2012), of which Dr Goettsch was also the Project Leader. Until the beginning of 2013, Dr Goettsch was the Deputy Secretary of the Medicinal Products Reimbursement Committee at Dutch Healthcare Insurance Board (CVZ). The Dutch Medicinal Products Reimbursement Committee advises the Dutch Minister of Health on whether new drugs need to be included in the basic insurance package. Before joining CVZ, he worked as a research manager for the PHARMO Institute (Utrecht, The Netherlands) and was responsible for the coordination of numerous pharmacoepidemiological and outcomes studies for international offices of pharmaceutical companies, such as AstraZeneca, Novartis, Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline. Dr Goettsch has approximately 50 publications in peer-reviewed international journals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wim Goettsch
- EUnetHTA JA2 WP5 Rapid Assessments, Health Care Insurance Board (CVZ), Eekholt 4, 1112XH Diemen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hansen RA, Gray MD, Fox BI, Hollingsworth JC, Gao J, Hollingsworth ML, Carpenter DM. Expert panel assessment of acute liver injury identification in observational data. Res Social Adm Pharm 2013; 10:156-67. [PMID: 23746420 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2013.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational data are useful for studying drug safety; however, to be effective, accurate outcome measurement is paramount. OBJECTIVES This study compared alternative outcome definitions for acute liver injury (ALI) and explored opportunities for improving ALI identification in observational data. METHODS The Truven MarketScan® Lab Database (MSLR) was used to identify patients meeting at least 1 of 4 ALI definitions, including definitions based on diagnosis codes, laboratory measures, or combinations of diagnoses, procedures, and/or laboratory measures. Expert panelists reviewed patient data using a Web dashboard. Panelists determined whether they believed the patient had ALI and identified factors influencing their decision. Logistic regression models explored which factors were influential in case determination. RESULTS Overall, only 37 of 208 reviewed patients (17.8%) were classified as cases. The diagnosis-based definition yielded no positive cases and the laboratory-based definition yielded the most positive cases (31 of 60). The most influential factors in case classification were occurrence of procedures after the index date (OR = 13.2, 95% CI = 5.3-32.9), no occurrence of drug treatments before the index date (OR = 4.6; 95% CI = 1.6-13.2), occurrence of drug treatments before the index date (OR = 0.3; 95% CI = 0.1-0.6), and no drug treatments after the index date (OR = 0.2; 95% CI = 0.0-0.5). CONCLUSIONS Comparing ALI definitions illustrated tradeoffs between the number of plausible cases identified and the likelihood of cases being classified as positive. Future research should refine ALI case definitions, considering the import of laboratory results, procedures, and drugs in defining a case.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Hansen
- Department of Pharmacy Care Systems, Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gagne JJ, Glynn RJ, Rassen JA, Walker AM, Daniel GW, Sridhar G, Schneeweiss S. Active safety monitoring of newly marketed medications in a distributed data network: application of a semi-automated monitoring system. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2012; 92:80-6. [PMID: 22588606 PMCID: PMC3947906 DOI: 10.1038/clpt.2011.369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We developed a semi-automated active monitoring system that uses sequential matched-cohort analyses to assess drug safety across a distributed network of longitudinal electronic health-care data. In a retrospective analysis, we show that the system would have identified cerivastatin-induced rhabdomyolysis. In this study, we evaluated whether the system would generate alerts for three drug-outcome pairs: rosuvastatin and rhabdomyolysis (known null association), rosuvastatin and diabetes mellitus, and telithromycin and hepatotoxicity (two examples for which alerting would be questionable). Over >5 years of monitoring, rate differences (RDs) in comparisons of rosuvastatin with atorvastatin were -0.1 cases of rhabdomyolysis per 1,000 person-years (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.4, 0.1) and -2.2 diabetes cases per 1,000 person-years (95% CI: -6.0, 1.6). The RD for hepatotoxicity comparing telithromycin with azithromycin was 0.3 cases per 1,000 person-years (95% CI: -0.5, 1.0). In a setting in which false positivity is a major concern, the system did not generate alerts for the three drug-outcome pairs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J J Gagne
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rowan CG, Brunelli SM, Munson J, Flory J, Reese PP, Hennessy S, Lewis J, Mines D, Barrett JS, Bilker W, Strom BL. Clinical importance of the drug interaction between statins and CYP3A4 inhibitors: a retrospective cohort study in The Health Improvement Network. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2012; 21:494-506. [PMID: 22422642 DOI: 10.1002/pds.3199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2011] [Revised: 10/02/2011] [Accepted: 11/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the relative hazard of muscle toxicity, renal dysfunction, and hepatic dysfunction associated with the drug interaction between statins and concomitant medications that inhibit the CYP3A4 isoenzyme. BACKGROUND Although statins provide important clinical benefits related to mitigating the risk of cardiovascular events, this class of medications also has the potential for severe adverse reactions. The risk for adverse events may be potentiated by concomitant use of medications that interfere with statin metabolism. METHODS Data from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) from 1990 to 2008 were used to conduct a retrospective cohort study. Cohorts were created to evaluate each outcome (muscle toxicity, renal dysfunction, and hepatic dysfunction) independently. Each cohort included new statin initiators and compared the relative hazard of the outcome. The interaction ratio (I*R) was the primary contrast of interest. The I*R represents the relative effect of each statin type (statin 3A4 substrate vs. statin non-3A4 substrate) with a CYP3A4 inhibitor, independent of the effect of the statin type without a CYP3A4 inhibitor. We adjusted for confounding variables using the multinomial propensity score. RESULTS The median follow-up time per cohort was 1.5 years. There were 7889 muscle toxicity events among 362,809 patients and 792,665 person-years. The adjusted muscle toxicity I*R was 1.22 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.90-1.66). There were 1449 renal dysfunction events among 272,099 patients and 574,584 person-years. The adjusted renal dysfunction I*R was 0.91 (95%CI = 0.58-1.44). There were 1434 hepatic dysfunction events among 367,612 patients and 815,945 person-years. The adjusted hepatic dysfunction I*R was 0.78 (95%CI = 0.45-1.31). CONCLUSIONS Overall, this study found no difference in the relative hazard of muscle toxicity, renal dysfunction, or hepatic dysfunction for patients prescribed a statin 3A4 substrate versus a statin non-3A4 substrate with CYP3A4 inhibitor concomitancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher G Rowan
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Bernard MA, Bénichou J, Blin P, Weill A, Bégaud B, Abouelfath A, Moore N, Fourrier-Réglat A. Use of health insurance claim patterns to identify patients using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2012; 21:573-83. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.3221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 11/22/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Patrick Blin
- Université de Bordeaux; F-33000; Bordeaux; France
| | - Alain Weill
- Caisse Nationale d'Assurance Maladie des Travailleurs Salariés, Direction de la Stratégie, des Etudes et des Statistiques; F-75986; Paris; France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cimolai N, Cimolai T. Erythromelalgia accompanying rosuvastatin-associated myopathy. J Dermatol Case Rep 2011; 3:1-3. [PMID: 21886718 DOI: 10.3315/jdcr.2009.1026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2009] [Accepted: 02/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secondary erythromelalgia can occur due to various underlying medical disorders or drug toxicity. MAIN OBSERVATIONS A 75-year old male developed acute secondary erythromelalgia following the onset of rosuvastatin use and associated myopathy. The illness was reversible after discontinuation of the pharmacological agent. CONCLUSION Secondary erythromelalgia may occur after rosuvastatin use, but this and other dermatological toxicities are rare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nevio Cimolai
- The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang MT, Su CY, Chan ALF, Lian PW, Leu HB, Hsu YJ. Risk of digoxin intoxication in heart failure patients exposed to digoxin-diuretic interactions: a population-based study. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2011; 70:258-67. [PMID: 20653679 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2125.2010.03687.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT * Increased frequency of electrolyte abnormalities and cardiac arrhythmias among patients exposed to digoxin-diuretic interactions has been well-documented in numerous descriptive studies. * Nonetheless, a clear causal relationship has not been established in these studies. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS * The risks of digoxin intoxication associated with use of digoxin in combination with any diuretic use, types of diuretics, combinations of diuretics, and individual diuretics were quantified using a population-based nested case-control study design. * The combined therapy of digoxin with any diuretic is associated with a 3.08-fold increase in the risk of digoxin intoxication. * Regarding diuretic class, the risk carried by loop diuretics is greater than that of thiazides or potassium-sparing diuretics, and the risk varies with different combinations of diuretic classes and individual diuretics. AIMS To quantify the digoxin intoxication risk associated with exposure to digoxin-diuretic interactions, and evaluate whether the risk varies by diuretic type, individually or in combination. METHODS This was a population-based nested case-control study in which data from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan were analysed. RESULTS The study cohort comprised 154 058 heart failure (HF) patients taking digoxin between 2001 and 2004, in whom digoxin intoxication requiring a hospitalization (ICD-9 code 972.1) occurred in 595 cases. A total of 28 243 matched controls were also selected for analysis. Cases were 3.08 times (adjusted OR 3.08, 95% CI 2.50, 3.79) more likely to have been prescribed diuretic medication in the previous month than controls. Regarding the class of diuretics, loop diuretics carried the greatest risk (adjusted OR 2.97, 95% CI 2.35, 3.75), followed by thiazides (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.70, 3.29) and potassium-sparing diuretics (OR 1.72, 95% CI 0.83, 3.56). The risk was also observed to vary with different combinations of diuretics, and the loops/thiazides/potassium-sparing diuretics combination carried the greatest risk (adjusted OR 6.85, 95% CI 4.93, 9.53). Among the individual diuretics examined, hydrochlorothiazide carried the greatest risk (adjusted OR 4.63, 95% CI 2.50, 8.57). CONCLUSIONS This study provided empirical evidence that digoxin-diuretic interactions increased the risk of hospitalization for digoxin intoxication in HF patients. The risk was particularly high for concomitant use of digoxin with a combination of loop diuretics, thiazide and potassium-sparing diuretics. The combined use of digoxin and diuretics should be avoided if possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ting Wang
- School of Pharmacy, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pearson JF, Brownstein CA, Brownstein JS. Potential for electronic health records and online social networking to redefine medical research. Clin Chem 2010; 57:196-204. [PMID: 21159898 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2010.148668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent legislation in the US requires that all medical records become electronic over the next decade. In addition, ongoing developments in patient-oriented care, most notably with the advent of health social networking and personal health records, provide a plethora of new information sources for research. CONTENT Electronic health records (EHRs) show great potential for use in observational studies to examine drug safety via pharmacovigiliance methods that can find adverse drug events as well as expand drug safety profiles. EHRs also show promise for head-to-head comparative effectiveness trials and could play a critical role in secondary and tertiary diabetes prevention efforts. A growing subset of EHRs, personal health records (PHRs), opens up the possibility of engaging patients in their care, as well as new opportunities for participatory research and personalized medicine. Organizations nationwide, from providers to employers, are already investing heavily in PHR systems. Additionally, the explosive use of online social networking sites and mobile technologies will undoubtedly play a role in future research efforts by making available a veritable flood of information, such as real-time exercise monitoring, to health researchers. SUMMARY The future confluence of health information technologies will enable researchers and clinicians to reveal novel therapies and insights into treatments and disease management, as well as environmental and genomic interactions, at an unprecedented population scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John F Pearson
- Children's Hospital Informatics Program at the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
García Rodríguez LA, Herings R, Johansson S. Use of multiple international healthcare databases for the detection of rare drug-associated outcomes: a pharmacoepidemiological programme comparing rosuvastatin with other marketed statins. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2010; 19:1218-24. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.2032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Revised: 06/29/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
|
15
|
Fourrier-Réglat A, Cuong HM, Lassalle R, Depont F, Robinson P, Droz-Perroteau C, Pariente A, Bégaud B, Blin P, Moore N. Concordance between prescriber- and patient-reported previous medical history and NSAID indication in the CADEUS cohort. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2010; 19:474-81. [PMID: 20437457 DOI: 10.1002/pds.1951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Various data sources may be used in pharmacoepidemiological studies. When they cannot be obtained from valid databases, medical data must be obtained from physicians or patients. In the CADEUS study, both patients and their prescribers reported medical data allowing investigation of the concordance between these sources. METHODS CADEUS is a French national cohort study of traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and coxib users conducted between September 2003 and August 2004 in France that employed self-administered questionnaires to obtain medical data from patients and their prescribers. The Kappa statistic (kappa) was used to measure concordance between patients and prescribers in 18 530 pairs with regard to previous medical history and index NSAID indication. RESULTS For previous medical history, the proportion of agreement ranged from 70.7 to 99.2% and concordance was: substantial (kappa = 0.61-0.80) for hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke and diabetes; moderate (kappa = 0.41-0.60) for angina pectoris, peripheral arterial disease and hypercholesterolaemia; fair (kappa = 0.21-0.40) for unstable angina, cardiac insufficiency, dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux and gastric ulcer; slight (kappa < 0.21) for upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. For index NSAID indication, the proportion of agreement ranged from 84.3 to 99.4% and concordance was almost perfect (kappa = 0.81-1.00) for inflammatory rheumatism, flu-like symptoms, dysmenorrhoea and dental pain; substantial for arthritis, back pain and headache; moderate for osteoarticular pain. CONCLUSIONS Concordance was better for specific or serious conditions both regarding previous medical history and indication. Prescriber or patient perception and understanding may reduce concordance for certain items.
Collapse
|
16
|
Gray J, Edwards SJ, Lip GYH. Comparison of sequential rosuvastatin doses in hypercholesterolaemia: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Curr Med Res Opin 2010; 26:537-47. [PMID: 20028194 DOI: 10.1185/03007990903513980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rosuvastatin is an effective treatment for patients with hypercholesterolaemia. However, the incremental benefit and risk of increasing through the licensed dose range have not been comprehensively assessed across all available clinical trials. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The literature databases CENTRAL, EMBASE, and MEDLINE were searched in April 2008 for trials with comparisons of sequential licensed rosuvastatin dosages: 5 vs. 10 mg/day, 10 vs. 20 mg/day, and 20 vs. 40 mg/day. Clinical trial registries were also searched. For benefit outcomes, weighted mean differences were derived using the inverse variance method. For risk outcomes, the Mantel-Haenszel method was used to calculate a summary relative risk. RESULTS The meta-analysis included 26 trials. The results demonstrated significantly favourable changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level with increasing dosage (by 6.25, 5.84, and 5.03 percentage points for 10 vs. 5 mg/day, 20 vs. 10 mg/day, and 40 vs. 20 mg/day, respectively), and also in the ratios of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A-I (all p < 0.00001). In addition, a significantly favourable change in HDL-C level was found with 20 mg/day over 10 mg/day (p = 0.02). Among the primary tolerability comparisons, no significant differences in risk were seen for muscular, hepatic, or renal adverse events, with only one exception: the risk of proteinuria by urine dipstick testing was significantly higher with rosuvastatin 40 mg/day than 20 mg/day (p = 0.01). The efficacy outcomes assessed in this meta-analysis are limited to surrogate markers of morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis provides evidence for improved efficacy in treating patients with hypercholesterolaemia with each sequential titration of rosuvastatin and a generally consistent tolerability profile across the dose range.
Collapse
|
17
|
García-Rodríguez LA, González-Pérez A, Stang MR, Wallander MA, Johansson S. The safety of rosuvastatin in comparison with other statins in over 25,000 statin users in the Saskatchewan Health Databases. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2009; 17:953-61. [PMID: 18425987 DOI: 10.1002/pds.1602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare mortality and the incidence of hospitalization for myopathy, rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure and acute liver injury in patients receiving rosuvastatin and those taking other statins. METHODS Patients prescribed a statin that they had not used before were selected from the Saskatchewan Health Databases (SHD) and followed up from 1 July 2003 until 31 March 2005. RESULTS We studied 10,384 patients on rosuvastatin and 14,854 taking other statins. Two cases of myopathy were identified (one on rosuvastatin, one on another statin). The relative risk (RR) of myopathy in patients currently taking rosuvastatin compared with other statins was 1.31 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13-13.41). Two cases of rhabdomyolysis were detected among current rosuvastatin users (incidence: 2.9 [95% CI: 0.8-10.7] per 10 000 person-years). No cases of acute liver injury occurred among rosuvastatin patients. Seventeen cases of acute renal failure were identified (five among rosuvastatin users, 12 taking other statins). The RR of acute renal failure in current rosuvastatin users compared with other statins was 0.49 (95% CI: 0.16-1.50). We identified 285 deaths during the study period (87 among rosuvastatin users, 198 taking other statins). The RR of death in current rosuvastatin users compared with other statins was 0.42 (95% CI: 0.32-0.57). CONCLUSIONS We found no evidence that patients prescribed rosuvastatin were at greater risk of the study outcomes than patients prescribed other statins. There was no evidence of increased mortality among patients taking rosuvastatin, even after allowing for age, sex and prior statin use.
Collapse
|
18
|
Rizzo M, Berneis K, Spinas GA, Rini GB, Kapur NK. Quantitative and qualitative effects of rosuvastatin on LDL-cholesterol: what is the clinical significance? Int J Clin Pract 2009; 63:478-85. [PMID: 19222633 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2008.01979.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins have emerged as the global leader in pharmacologic therapy for dyslipidaemia, and rosuvastatin has demonstrated clinical efficacy as well as safety in several clinical trials and postmarketing analyses. AIM The present article reviewed the effects of rosuvastatin on the quantity and the quality of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). METHODS We searched for and reviewed all the available evidence in a systematic way. A literature search (by Medline and Scopus) was performed using the following headings: 'LDL-cholesterol', 'LDL size', 'LDL subclasses', 'small dense LDL', 'apolipoprotein B, apo B' and 'rosuvastatin' up to 11 November 2008. The authors also manually reviewed the references of selected articles for any pertinent material. RESULTS Rosuvastatin reduces LDL-cholesterol levels to a greater extent than other statins and is able to modulate significantly LDL size and subclasses towards less atherogenic particles as well as the LDL particle number, as indirectly measured by the levels of apo B. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The recent Justification for the Use of statins in Primary prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin study provides more evidence about the effectiveness of rosuvastatin therapy in reducing cardiovascular risk, even among persons who would not currently be considered for pharmacotherapy. Further insights on cardiovascular outcomes will be available by the on-going trials included in the GALAXY program that includes subjects with type-2 diabetes, haemodialysis recipients, patients with congestive heart failure and specific ethnic groups, such as African American, Hispanic and South Asian populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Rizzo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Emerging Diseases, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
García-Rodríguez LA, Massó-González EL, Wallander MA, Johansson S. The safety of rosuvastatin in comparison with other statins in over 100 000 statin users in UK primary care. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2008; 17:943-52. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.1603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
20
|
Heintjes EM, Hirsch MW, van der Linden MW, O'Donnell JC, Stalenhoef AF, Herings RMC. LDL-C reductions and goal attainment among naive statin users in the Netherlands: real life results. Curr Med Res Opin 2008; 24:2241-50. [PMID: 18578957 DOI: 10.1185/03007990802264487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The effectiveness of statin therapy in a real life setting may differ from that in clinical trials, as physicians make non-randomised treatment decisions for patients with less uniform and possibly different characteristics. We therefore performed a study to compare the effectiveness of different statins and doses in routine clinical practice with respect to total serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction and goal attainment according to European guidelines on the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Naive statin users starting treatment in 2003 and 2004 with LDL-C measurements at baseline and between 30 and 365 days after start of treatment were extracted from the PHARMO database. During treatment with their initial statin dose LDL-C reduction and attainment of cholesterol goals were compared between different statins and doses. RESULTS Of 2303 identified naive patients, approximately 30% were allocated to the high CVD-risk group. Average LDL-C reductions were 48%, 42%, 39%, and 32% at mean doses of 11 mg rosuvastatin, 17 mg atorvastatin, 22 mg simvastatin and 35 mg pravastatin, respectively. The proportion of patients attaining cholesterol goals was 75% for rosuvastatin, 68% for atorvastatin, 56% for simvastatin, and 42% for pravastatin. Dose comparisons showed greater LDL-C reduction and increased goal attainment for rosuvastatin 10 mg compared to other statins at most doses (adjusted p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In a real life setting, both LDL-C reduction and the proportion of patients attaining cholesterol goals appear to be significantly increased among users of rosuvastatin compared to other statins. These results confirm and extend reported clinical trial results to a real world setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edith M Heintjes
- PHARMO Institute for Drug Outcomes Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Crouse JR. An evaluation of rosuvastatin: pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and tolerability. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2008; 4:287-304. [DOI: 10.1517/17425255.4.3.287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
22
|
Kurabayashi M, Yamazaki T, SUBARU Study Group. Superior Benefit of Aggressive Lipid-Lowering Therapy for High- Risk Patients Using Statins: the SUBARU Study -More Hypercholesterolemic Patients Achieve Japan Atherosclerosis Society LDL-C Goals with Rosuvastatin Therapy than with Atorvastatin Therapy. J Atheroscler Thromb 2008; 15:314-23. [DOI: 10.5551/jat.e567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
|
23
|
Kapur NK, Musunuru K. Clinical efficacy and safety of statins in managing cardiovascular risk. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2008; 4:341-53. [PMID: 18561510 PMCID: PMC2496987 DOI: 10.2147/vhrm.s1653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Since their introduction in the 1980s, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) have emerged as the one of the best-selling medication classes to date, with numerous trials demonstrating powerful efficacy in preventing cardiovascular outcomes. As our understanding of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and atherosclerosis continues to grow, the concept of 'lower is better' has corresponded with a more is better' approach to statin-based therapy. This review provides a detailed understanding of the clinical efficacy and safety of statins with a particular emphasis on the third generation drug, rosuvastatin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Navin K Kapur
- Division of Cardiology, Tufts University, New England Medical Center, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Comparison of short-term renal effects and efficacy of rosuvastatin 40 mg and simvastatin 80 mg, followed by assessment of long-term renal effects of rosuvastatin 40 mg, in patients with dyslipidemia. J Clin Lipidol 2007; 1:287-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2007.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2007] [Revised: 07/03/2007] [Accepted: 07/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
25
|
Insull W, Ghali JK, Hassman DR, Y As JW, Gandhi SK, Miller E. Achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goals in high-risk patients in managed care: comparison of rosuvastatin, atorvastatin, and simvastatin in the SOLAR trial. Mayo Clin Proc 2007; 82:543-50. [PMID: 17493418 DOI: 10.4065/82.5.543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate attainment of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal of less than 100 mg/dL with statin treatments in managed care patients at high risk for coronary heart disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS In a randomized, open-label, multicenter trial (SOLAR [Satisfying Optimal LDL-C ATP III goals with Rosuvastatin]) performed at 145 US clinical centers from June 5, 2002 to July 12, 2004, high-risk men and women in a managed care population received typical starting doses of rosuvastatin (10 mg/d), atorvastatin (10 mg/d), or simvastatin (20 mg/d) for 6 weeks. Those who did not meet the LDL-C target of less than 100 mg/dL at 6 weeks had their dose titrated (doubled), and all patients were followed up for another 6 weeks. RESULTS A total of 1632 patients were randomized to 1 of the 3 treatment regimens. After 6 weeks, 65% of patients taking rosuvastatin reached the LDL-C target of less than 100 mg/dL vs 41% with atorvastatin and 39% with simvastatin (P<.001 vs rosuvastatin for both). After 12 weeks, 76% of patients taking rosuvastatin reached the LDL-C target of less than 100 mg/dL vs 58% with atorvastatin and 53% with simvastatin (P<.001 vs rosuvastatin for both). Reductions in the LDL-C level, total cholesterol level, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) level, and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio were significantly greater with rosuvastatin at both 6 and 12 weeks compared with the other statins. Adverse events were similar in type and frequency in all treatment groups, and only 3% of all patients discontinued treatment because of adverse events. No myopathy was observed, no clinically important impact on renal function was attributed to study medications, and clinically important increases in serum transaminases were rare. CONCLUSION In a managed care population, 10 mg of rosuvastatin treatment resulted in more patients reaching the NCEP ATP III LDL-C goal compared with 10 mg of atorvastatin and 20 mg of simvastatin, potentially reducing the need for titration visits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William Insull
- Baylor College of Medicine and The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, 77030-3411, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Shepherd J, Vidt DG, Miller E, Harris S, Blasetto J. Safety of Rosuvastatin: Update on 16,876 Rosuvastatin-Treated Patients in a Multinational Clinical Trial Program. Cardiology 2007; 107:433-43. [PMID: 17363845 DOI: 10.1159/000100908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2006] [Accepted: 01/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The safety and tolerability of rosuvastatin were assessed using data from 16,876 patients who received rosuvastatin 5-40 mg in a multinational phase II/III/IIIb/IV program, representing 25,670 patient-years of continuous exposure to rosuvastatin. METHODS An integrated database, consisting of 33 trials whose databases were locked up to and including September 16, 2005, was used to examine adverse events and laboratory data. RESULTS In placebo-controlled trials, adverse events irrespective of causality assessment occurred in 52.1% of patients receiving rosuvastatin 5-40 mg (n = 931) and 51.8% of patients receiving placebo (n = 483). In all controlled clinical trials with comparator statins, rosuvastatin 5-40 mg was associated with an adverse event profile similar to profiles for atorvastatin 10-80 mg, simvastatin 10-80 mg, and pravastatin 10-40 mg. Clinically significant elevations in alanine aminotransferase (> 3 times the upper limit of normal [ULN] on at least 2 consecutive occasions) were uncommon (< or = 0.2%) in the rosuvastatin and comparator statin groups. Elevated creatine kinase > 10 times ULN occurred in < or = 0.3% of patients receiving rosuvastatin or other statins. Myopathy (creatine kinase > 10 times ULN with muscle symptoms) possibly related to treatment occurred in 0.03% of patients taking rosuvastatin at doses < or = 40 mg. The frequency of dipstick-positive proteinuria at rosuvastatin doses < or = 20 mg was comparable to that seen with other statins, and the development of proteinuria was not predictive of acute or progressive renal disease. Both short- and long-term rosuvastatin treatment were associated with small increases in estimated glomerular filtration rate, with improvements appearing to be somewhat greater in those patients beginning treatment with greater renal impairment. In the phase II-IV program, no deaths were attributed to rosuvastatin; at doses of rosuvastatin < or = 40 mg, 1 case of rhabdomyolysis occurred in a patient who received rosuvastatin 20 mg and concomitant gemfibrozil treatment. CONCLUSION In summary, rosuvastatin was well tolerated by a broad range of patients with dyslipidemia, and its safety profile was similar to those of comparator statins investigated in the clinical program. (Nota bene: The clinical development program for rosuvastatin initially evaluated rosuvastatin doses up to 80 mg. Following completion of the phase III/IIIb program, a decision was made not to pursue marketing approval for the 80-mg dose because the additional lipid-modifying benefits of this dose did not justify the potential risks for use in the general population of patients with dyslipidemia.)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Shepherd
- Department of Pathological Biochemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Current awareness: Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2007. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.1358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|
28
|
Clearfield MB, Amerena J, Bassand JP, García HRH, Miller SS, Sosef FFM, Palmer MK, Bryzinski BS. Comparison of the efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin 10 mg and atorvastatin 20 mg in high-risk patients with hypercholesterolemia--Prospective study to evaluate the Use of Low doses of the Statins Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin (PULSAR). Trials 2006; 7:35. [PMID: 17184550 PMCID: PMC1779361 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-7-35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2006] [Accepted: 12/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease do not achieve recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goals. This study compared the efficacy and safety of low doses of rosuvastatin (10 mg) and atorvastatin (20 mg) in high-risk patients with hypercholesterolemia. METHODS A total of 996 patients with hypercholesterolemia (LDL-C > or = 3.4 and < 5.7 mmol/L [130 and 220 mg/dL]) and coronary heart disease (CHD), atherosclerosis, or a CHD-risk equivalent were randomized to once-daily rosuvastatin 10 mg or atorvastatin 20 mg. The primary endpoint was the percentage change from baseline in LDL-C levels at 6 weeks. Secondary endpoints included LDL-C goal achievement (National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III [NCEP ATP III] goal < 100 mg/dL; 2003 European goal < 2.5 mmol/L for patients with atherosclerotic disease, type 2 diabetes, or at high risk of cardiovascular events, as assessed by a Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) risk > or = 5% or 3.0 mmol/L for all other patients), changes in other lipids and lipoproteins, cost-effectiveness, and safety. RESULTS Rosuvastatin 10 mg reduced LDL-C levels significantly more than atorvastatin 20 mg at week 6 (44.6% vs. 42.7%, p < 0.05). Significantly more patients achieved NCEP ATP III and 2003 European LDL-C goals with rosuvastatin 10 mg compared with atorvastatin 20 mg (68.8% vs. 62.5%, p < 0.05; 68.0% vs. 63.3%, p < 0.05, respectively). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased significantly with rosuvastatin 10 mg versus atorvastatin 20 mg (6.4% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.001). Lipid ratios and levels of apolipoprotein A-I also improved more with rosuvastatin 10 mg than with atorvastatin 20 mg. The use of rosuvastatin 10 mg was also cost-effective compared with atorvastatin 20 mg in both a US and a UK setting. Both treatments were well tolerated, with a similar incidence of adverse events (rosuvastatin 10 mg, 27.5%; atorvastatin 20 mg, 26.1%). No cases of rhabdomyolysis, liver, or renal insufficiency were recorded. CONCLUSION In high-risk patients with hypercholesterolemia, rosuvastatin 10 mg was more efficacious than atorvastatin 20 mg at reducing LDL-C, enabling LDL-C goal achievement and improving other lipid parameters. Both treatments were well tolerated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Clearfield
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, USA
- Present address: College of Osteopathic Medicine, Touro University, 1310 Johnson Lane, Vallejo, CA 94592, USA
| | - John Amerena
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Sam S Miller
- SAM Clinical Research Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|