Atorvastatin treatment and LDL cholesterol target attainment in patients at very high cardiovascular risk

Novel Insights into the Management of Patients with Very High Cardiovascular Risk Eligible for PCSK9 Inhibitor Treatment: Baseline Findings from the PERI-DYS Study

AIM

The PERI-DYS study aims to characterize two groups of patients with dyslipidaemia at very high CV risk: PCSK9i receivers and patients qualifying for but not receiving PCSK9i.

METHODS

This is an observational study by office-based and clinic-based physicians, mainly cardiologists and other internists in Germany, with data extracted from patient charts.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov identifier NCT03110432.

RESULTS

A total of 1659 patients were enrolled across 70 sites. The majority of patients (91.0%) were reported as having mixed dyslipidaemia or non-familial or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. At enrolment, 794 (47.9%) of patients were PCSK9i receivers (of these 65.9% ongoing, and 34.1% newly treated within 30 days before their baseline visit). Among PCSK9i receivers, the majority had evolocumab 140 mg (n = 632, 38.1% of total). PCSK9i receivers compared to non-receivers were about 2 years younger and had a lower proportion of males. In terms of comorbidities, they had (statistically significantly) more often CAD, and less often PAD, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and chronic renal disease. The calculated untreated median LDL-C was 187 mg/dl (IQR 127; 270) in ongoing PCSK9i receivers, 212 mg/dl (IQR 132; 277) in newly treated PCSK9i receivers, and 179 mg/dl (IQR 129; 257) in non-receivers. Physician-reported statin intolerance was much more common in the two PCSK9i receiver groups as compared to non-receivers (67.3% versus 15.3%). Consequently, patients in the PCSK9i groups received fewer concomitant statins. Mean total cholesterol (143 vs. 172 mg/dl) and LDL-C (69 vs. 99 mg/dl) were considerably lower in ongoing PCSK9i receivers compared to non-receivers.

CONCLUSIONS

PCSK9i receivers are characterized by higher baseline LDL-C and a higher portion of statin intolerance compared to those qualified for but not-receiving PCSK9i treatment. On-treatment, LDL-C was lower in PCSK9i receivers. Ongoing follow-up will determine the prognostic importance of these findings.

Current Research on the Influence of Statin Treatment on Rotator Cuff Healing

Rotator cuff tears are a condition characterized by damage to the muscles and tendons that connect the scapula and humerus, which are responsible for shoulder rotation and arm lifting. Metabolic factors such as diabetes, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, vitamin D deficiency, obesity, and smoking have been associated with an increased risk of rotator cuff tears. Interestingly, patients with hyperlipidemia, a condition characterized by high levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood, have been found to have a higher incidence of rotator cuff tears and breakdown of tendon matrix. As a result, statin therapy, which is commonly used to lower cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemia, has been explored as a potential treatment to improve clinical outcomes in rotator cuff tears. However, the results of preclinical and clinical studies on the effects of statins on tendon healing in rotator cuff tears are limited and not well-defined. Moreover, since hyperlipidemia and rotator cuff tears are more prevalent in older individuals, a literature review on the efficacy and safety of statin therapy in this population is needed.

Novel and future lipid-modulating therapies for the prevention of cardiovascular disease

Lowering the levels of LDL cholesterol in the plasma has been shown to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Several other lipoproteins, such as triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, HDL and lipoprotein(a) are associated with atherosclerosis and ASCVD, with strong evidence supporting causality for some. In this Review, we discuss novel and upcoming therapeutic strategies targeting different pathways in lipid metabolism to potentially attenuate the risk of cardiovascular events. Key proteins involved in lipoprotein metabolism, such as PCSK9, angiopoietin-related protein 3, cholesteryl ester transfer protein and apolipoprotein(a), have been identified as viable targets for therapeutic intervention through observational and genetic studies. These proteins can be targeted using a variety of approaches, such as protein inhibition or interference, inhibition of translation at the mRNA level (with the use of antisense oligonucleotides or small interfering RNA), and the introduction of loss-of-function mutations through base editing. These novel and upcoming strategies are complementary to and could work synergistically with existing therapies, or in some cases could potentially replace therapies, offering unprecedented opportunities to prevent ASCVD. Moreover, a major challenge in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases is how to achieve safe, long-lasting reductions in causal exposures. This challenge might be overcome with approaches such as small interfering RNAs or genome editing, which shows how far the field has advanced from when the burden of achieving this goal was placed upon patients through rigorous adherence to daily small-molecule drug regimens.

Different Perspectives of Patients and Physicians on LDL-C Target Achievement in the Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia: Results on Secondary Prevention from the German PROCYON Survey

AIMS

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction in hypercholesterolemia patients at very high cardiovascular (CV) risk is essential in preventing future CV events. The objective was to assess the perception on hypercholesterolemia management in secondary prevention in Germany.

METHODS

PROCYON was a two-part online survey, including a patient questionnaire as well as a physician questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 109 general practitioners, internists, and cardiologists participated. The current ESC/EAS recommendation for high-risk patients is followed by 19.3% of the physicians. The majority (80.7%) reported an LDL-C target failure rate of at least 30%. More than two thirds (71.6%) have stated treating less than half of their patients with the maximum approved statin dose. The survey included 1696 secondary prevention patients. The majority (86.7%) consult their general practitioner for hypercholesterolemia; 54.0% consult a cardiologist (multiple answers allowed). Most patients (87.0%) were receiving lipid-lowering medication. Among these, 800 (54.2%) reported improved LDL-C levels since diagnosis, 569 (38.6%) reported no improvement, and 106 (7.2%) had no information. Of the treated patients with (N' = 800) and without (N' = 569) improvement, 34.3% vs. 37.3% were on their initial drug and dose, 24.8% vs. 23.7% received multiple drug therapy, 48.9% vs. 48.9% reported a dose change, and 16.1% vs. 14.2% had discontinued at least one drug (multiple answers). Disease knowledge was rated as good or very good by 29.8% of patients.

CONCLUSION

PROCYON demonstrated insufficient ESC/EAS guideline implementation regarding target levels and therapeutic escalation strategies. Furthermore, a lack of specialist involvement and patient education was identified.

Cardiovascular risk management: the success of target level achievement in high- and very high-risk patients in Hungary

BACKGROUND

The management of risk factors in patients with high cardiovascular risk and its effectiveness is of paramount importance. Over the last decade, several studies have examined the achievement of cardiovascular risk factors' target levels in Europe. In the present Hungarian study, we assessed the cardiovascular risk level of participants aged 40-65 years and the success of achieving risk factors' target levels in high- and very high-risk patients. We compared these results with the results of two similar European studies.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 37,778 patients aged 40-65 years from Hungary between 2019 and 2020. Cardiovascular risk levels and target values were set according to the 2016 European Guideline. Target achievement was evaluated for body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and HbA1c (in diabetics).

RESULTS

For 37,298 patients, all the data were available to determine their cardiovascular risk category. Of these, 23.1% had high and 31.4% had very high cardiovascular risk (men: 27.1 and 39.6%, women: 20.5 and 26.1%, respectively). Achievement of the LDL-C target of 1.8 mmol/l was only 8.0% among very high-risk patients, which was significantly lower than the European average (29%). Achievement of target blood pressure among high-risk patients was better than the European average (63.4% vs. 44.7%, respectively); however, achievement was slightly lower among very high-risk patients compared with the European average (49.4% vs. 58%, respectively). The proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes who achieved a HbA1c below 7% was 57.3% in the high-risk population and 53% in the very high-risk population, which was in line with the European average success rates (58.5 and 54%, respectively). Waist circumference (< 88 cm for women and < 102 cm for men) was achieved by 29.4% of patients in the very high-risk group in our survey, which was lower than the European average of 41%.

CONCLUSIONS

The success rate of cardiovascular risk management in Hungary is lower than the European average in several parameters. Furthermore, our data highlight the poor effectiveness of obesity management in Hungary. General practice partnerships may be important sites for positive change.

Secondary Prevention in Lower Extremity Artery Disease Patients: Lipid-Lowering Therapy and Long-Term Guideline Adherence

Lower extremity artery disease (LEAD) affects millions of elderly patients and is associated with elevated cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Risk factor modification, including the therapy of dyslipidaemia, is mandatory to reduce cardiovascular event rates and to improve survival rates. However, only a minority achieve the recommended low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target level < 55 mg/dL, according to the current ESC/EAS guidelines on the treatment of dyslipidaemia. This study elucidated the implementation of the lipid-lowering guideline recommendations of 400 LEAD patients with LDL-C > 100 mg/dL and their adherence to treatment adjustment during follow-up. Despite a sustained statin prescription in 93% of the patients, including 77% with high-intensity statins at follow-up, only 18% achieved the target level. Ezetimibe appeared in 21% and LDL-C goals were reached significantly more often with combination therapy. Recurrent revascularization appeared more often (28%) than coronary artery or cerebrovascular disease progression (14%) and 7% died. Despite the frequent use of high-intensity statins and expandable rates of ezetimibe, the progression of cardiovascular events remained inevitable. Only 18% of the patients had received recommendations on lifestyle modification, including dietary adaptations, which is key for a holistic approach to risk factor control. Thus, efforts for both pharmacological and behavioral strategies are needed to improve clinical outcomes and survival rates.

Formulation of Modified-Release Bilayer Tablets of Atorvastatin and Ezetimibe: An In-Vitro and In-Vivo Analysis

The objective of this work was to formulate co-loaded bilayer tablets containing ezetimibe (EZB) and atorvastatin (ATC). ATC loaded in the immediate-release (IR) layer is an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor, while EZB, added in the sustained-release (SR) layer, is a lipid-lowering agent. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of polymer on the formulation and characterization of bilayer tablets, as well as the therapeutic impact of the concurrent use of both drugs having a sequential release pattern. To obtain the optimized results, four different formulations with variable compositions were developed and evaluated for different parameters. The drug release studies were carried out using a type II dissolution apparatus, using phosphate buffer solution (PBS) of 1.2 pH for IR of EZB for an initial 2 h, followed by 24 h studies for ATC in PBS 6.8 pH. The IR layer showed rapid drug release (96%) in 2 h, while 80% of the ATC was released in 24 h from the SR layer. Locally obtained, 6-week-old female albino rats were selected for in vivo studies. Both preventive and curative models were applied to check the effects of the drug combination on the lipid profile, atherosclerosis and physiology of different organs. Studies have shown that the administration of both drugs with different release patterns has a better therapeutic effect (p < 0.05), both in preventing and in curing hyperlipidemia. Conclusively, through the sequential release of ATC and EZB, a better therapeutic response could be obtained.

[Lipid lowering: new agents and new concepts]

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C) is a causal risk factor for cardiovascular complications. A target value is set according to risk, guideline-based and individual basis. We now have the means to lower LDL‑C levels to ranges that are even associated with plaque volume regression. Moreover, lipid treatment is an example of how pharmacotherapy has evolved from classical selective inhibition of enzymes by drugs (e.g. statins) to targeted neutralization of proteins by antibodies. The reduction of atherogenic lipoproteins by specific inhibition or reduction of mRNA of target proteins, e.g. PCSK‑9, ANGPLT3, ApoC-III or Apo (a), and possibly one day by vaccination or even CRISP-based gene therapy will in the long term lead to new concepts in the treatment and prevention of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular complications. The cumulative exposure of atherogenic lipoproteins to the vessel wall is determined by the time-averaged LDL‑C level. This essentially depends on patient adherence and prescribed treatment intensity by physicians. Therefore, it is likely that treatment adherence influences the cumulative benefit of treatment. Accordingly, the new therapeutic strategies mentioned above with presumably higher adherence rates could help to optimize cardiovascular prevention. Early and effective LDL‑C lowering could drastically reduce the incidence of cardiovascular complications in the long term and help to maintain the health of our patients.

Comparison of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) Goal Achievement and Lipid-Lowering Therapy in the Patients With Coronary Artery Disease With Different Renal Functions

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between renal function and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal achievement and compare the strategy of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) among the patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) with different renal functions.

Methods

In this study, we enrolled 933 Chinese patients with CAD from September 2020 to June 2021 admitted to the Cardiometabolic Center of Fuwai Hospital in Beijing consecutively. All individuals were divided into two groups based on their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The multiple logistical regression analysis was performed to identify and compare the independent factors which impacted LDL-C goal achievement in the two groups after at least 3 months of treatment.

Results

There were 808 subjects with eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m² who were divided into Group 1 (G1). A total of 125 patients with eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m² were divided into Group 2 (G2). The rate of LDL-C goal attainment (LDL-C <1.4 mmol/L) was significantly lower in G2 when compared with that in G1 (24.00% vs. 35.52%, P = 0.02), even though there was no significant difference in the aspect of LLT between the two groups (high-intensity LLT: 82.50% vs. 85.60% P = 0.40). Notably, in G1, the proportion of LDL-C goal achievement increased with the intensity of LLT (23.36% vs. 39.60% vs. 64.52% in the subgroup under low-/moderate-intensity LLT, or high-intensity LLT without proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor (PCSK9i), or high-intensity LLT with PCSK9i, respectively, P < 0.005). In addition, in G2, there was a trend that the rate of LDL-C goal achievement was higher in the subgroup under high-intensity LLT (26.60% in the subgroup under high-intensity LLT without PCSK9i and 25.00% in the subgroup under high-intensity LLT with PCSK9i) than that under low-/moderate-intensity LLT (15.38%, P = 0.49). Importantly, after multiple regression analysis, we found that eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m² [odds ratio (OR) 1.81; 95%CI, 1.15–2.87; P = 0.01] was an independent risk factor to impact LDL-C goal achievement. However, the combination strategy of LLT was a protective factor for LDL-C goal achievement independently (statin combined with ezetimibe: OR 0.42; 95%CI 0.30–0.60; P < 0.001; statin combined with PCSK9i: OR 0.15; 95%CI 0.07–0.32; P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Impaired renal function (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m²) was an independent risk factor for LDL-C goal achievement in the patients with CAD. High-intensity LLT with PCSK9i could improve the rate of LDL-C goal achievement significantly. It should be suggested to increase the proportion of high-intensity LLT with PCSK9i for patients with CAD, especially those with impaired renal function.

A critical review on the availability of substandard and falsified medicines online: Incidence, challenges and perspectives

Simultaneous expansion of the Internet and increased globalisation of the pharmaceutical industry have meant medication can be accessed transnationally from both legal and illicit sources. This has coincided with the rise of substandard and falsified medicines (SFMs) online. These products fail to meet regulatory or quality standards and/or are constituted with substandard ingredients, causing undesired pharmacological effects, including possible injury and death. This review aimed to identify original research studies that examined characteristics of SFM online sales, attitudes towards purchasing medicines online and strategies to address this drug safety challenge. Keywords of ‘Substandard’ and ‘Falsified’/‘Counterfeit’ and ‘Medicines’/‘Drugs’ and ‘Online’/‘Internet’ were searched using Web of Knowledge and PubMed databases. Resulting literature, which satisfied the study’s inclusion criteria, was included in the review, and the findings from each paper were assessed. From an initial 185 literature articles, 7 were eligible according to the inclusion criteria to be reviewed. These articles identified studies testing SFMs purchased online, surveys of attitudes and knowledge about SFMs online, and website content analysis to detect illegal online sales. Challenges identified were lack of knowledge and awareness among consumers and physicians, in addition to the use of direct-to-consumer-advertising, via Internet platforms and social media, providing easy access to SFMs. Despite this, medicine authentication technology, website verification approaches and new detection methods were identified as potential solutions specific to online SFM sales. To address online sales of SFMs, more robust research, greater awareness/educational programmes, analytical detection methods and more stringent online global governance are required.

Impact of statin treatment on patients diagnosed with chronic venous disease. Morphological analysis of the venous wall and clinical implications

OBJECTIVES

The study evaluates the potential morphological changes that may occur in the venous wall in the case of the patients with chronic venous disease which associates treatment with statins for at least 2 years.

METHODS

Operated patients with chronic venous disease in the CEAP C2-C3 stage were included in the study. 215 venous fragments, collected from 50 patients within the study group and 179 venous fragments collected from 52 patients within the control group were microscopically analysed, evaluating a series of morpho-anatomical parameters.

RESULTS

In the study group, it was found that, venous reflux predominantly affects small veins, and also, a significant increase in collagen deposits in the adventitia and media tunics, proportional to the thickening of the venous wall.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate possible effects of statins upon the venous morphology. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of these results on daily practice.

Lipid management across Europe in the real-world setting: a rapid evidence review

OBJECTIVE

To provide a contemporary overview of recent real-world lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) practices and outcomes in patients with hypercholesterolemia/dyslipidemia at high/very high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in Europe.

METHODS

A structured literature review of recent (July 2015-July 2020) real-world studies reporting lipid management and outcomes was conducted using a rapid evidence synthesis. Outcomes included patient characteristics, LLT treatment practices, adherence and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment.

RESULTS

Fifty-three real-world observational studies in high/very high risk patients were selected after screening 5664 records (n = 50 national [sample size range 38-237,279] and n = 3 multinational studies [sample size range 6648-8456]). Mean age ranged from 33 to 77 years; hypertension, diabetes and obesity were commonly reported comorbidities. Statins were the most common LLT; patients without familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) mostly received high or moderate intensity statins/LLT, while patients with FH mostly received high intensity statins/LLT. The proportion of patients receiving ezetimibe was low overall (ezetimibe + statin use in those with and without familial hypercholesterolemia [FH] range 5%-59% and 1%-22%, respectively). Overall, the use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 inhibitor (PCSK9i) therapy was limited. Adherence to LLT therapies was defined variably and ranged from 46%-92%. LDL-C goal attainment was suboptimal, irrespective of LLT (overall range in goal attainment with oral LLT was 2%-73% [FH: 2%-23%] and with PCSK9i was 20%-65%).

CONCLUSIONS

LDL-C control is suboptimal and the available LLT armamentarium, most importantly combination therapy, is being underutilized in high/very high risk patients leading to inadequate management of cardiovascular risk.

Statin dose titration patterns and subsequent major cardiovascular events in very high-risk patients: estimates from Swedish population-based registry data

AIMS

Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of intensive statin therapy in lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular (CV) events. Our objective was to examine statin titration patterns and the association between titration patterns and subsequent CV events in very high-risk patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Using Swedish national population-based registry data, we identified 192 435 patients with very high risk of atherosclerotic CV disease initiated on moderate-intensity statin therapy between 2006 and 2013. Outcomes of interest were titration to high-intensity therapy and the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) composite (myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, and CV death) outcome. Cumulative incidence of MACE was assessed by titration status 1-year post-treatment initiation in patients adherent to treatment during the first year, using a 12-week cut-off from initiation to define early, delayed and no up-titration to high-intensity statins. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs). In 144 498 eligible patients, early titration was associated with significantly lower risk of MACE in the subsequent 2 years compared to no up-titration (HR 0.76, P < 0.01]. Delayed up-titration was associated with a smaller reduction (HR 0.88, P = 0.08). The majority of patients did not up-titrate.

CONCLUSION

Early up-titration to high-intensity statins was independently associated with lower risk of subsequent CV events compared to no up-titration. Delayed up-titration was not associated with the same benefit. Despite the higher risk associated with no up-titration, few patients at very high CV risk who started treatment on moderate-intensity up-titrated to high intensity, indicating a potential need for more aggressive lipid management of these patients in clinical practice.

The risk of ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke in Chinese adults with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations < 70 mg/dL

BACKGROUND

The risk of stroke in individuals with very low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations remains high. We sought to prioritize predictive risk factors for stroke in Chinese participants with LDL-C concentrations < 70 mg/dL using a survival conditional inference tree, a machine learning method.

METHODS

The training dataset included 9327 individuals with LDL-C concentrations < 70 mg/dL who were free of cardiovascular diseases and did not use lipid-modifying drugs from the Kailuan I study (N = 101,510). We examined the validity of this algorithm in a second Chinese cohort of 1753 participants with LDL-C concentrations < 70 mg/dL from the Kailuan II study (N = 35,856).

RESULTS

During a mean 8.5-9.0-year follow-up period, we identified 388 ischemic stroke cases and 145 hemorrhagic stroke cases in the training dataset and 20 ischemic stroke cases and 8 hemorrhagic stroke cases in the validation dataset. Of 15 examined predictors, poorly controlled blood pressure and very low LDL-C concentrations (≤ 40 mg/dL) were the top hierarchical predictors of both ischemic stroke risk and hemorrhagic stroke risk. The groups, characterized by the presence of 2-3 of aforementioned risk factors, were associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke (hazard ratio (HR) 7.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.01-9.85 in the training dataset; HR 4.68, 95%CI 1.58-13.9 in the validation dataset) and hemorrhagic stroke (HR 3.94, 95%CI 2.54-6.11 in the training dataset; HR 4.73, 95%CI 0.81-27.6 in the validation dataset), relative to the lowest risk groups (presence of 0-1 of these factors). There was a linear association between cumulative average LDL-C concentrations and stroke risk. LDL-C concentrations ≤ 40 mg/dL was significantly associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke (HR 2.07, 95%CI 1.53, 2.80) and hemorrhagic stroke (HR 2.70, 95%CI 1.70, 4.30) compared to LDL-C concentrations of 55-70 mg/dL, after adjustment for age, hypertension status, and other covariates.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with extremely low LDL-C concentrations without previous lipid-modifying treatment could still be at high stroke risk.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiCTR-TNRC-11001489 . Registered on 24-08-2011.

Association of Treatment Intensity and Adherence to Lipid-Lowering Therapy with Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Among Post-MI Patients in Germany

Introduction

Patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) are at very high risk of subsequent cardiovascular events. This study evaluated the association of treatment intensity and adherence to lipid-lowering therapies (LLT) with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among post-MI patients in Germany.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective cohort study using German health claims data (2010–2015). We included patients ≥ 18 years, with a history of MI and who started an LLT (statin and/or ezetimibe), between 2011 and 2013. The follow-up period started 1 year after the second LLT prescription and continued until MACE, all-cause death or December 31, 2015, whichever occurred first. Treatment intensity was classified based on expected low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction; adherence was measured by the proportion of days covered using prescription data. A combined adherence-adjusted intensity variable was created by multiplying intensity and adherence. We used Cox proportional hazards models to control for age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index and other cardiovascular risk factors at baseline.

Results

A total of 14,944 patients were included. Mean age was 66.7 (SD = 13.0) years; 68.7% of patients were men. Each 10% increase in treatment intensity, adherence, or adherence-adjusted intensity was associated with a decrease in the risk of MACE of 17% (HR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.79–0.87), 5% (HR = 0.95, 95% CI 0.94–0.97), and 14% (HR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.83–0.90), respectively.

Conclusions

Higher treatment intensity and/or adherence of LLT was associated with significantly lower risk of MACE in post-MI patients. Strategies to tailor intensity to patient profiles and improve adherence could reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-021-01697-8.

Long non-coding RNA expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with coronary artery disease

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of death and often presents as a complex systemic disease. The aim of the presents study was to determine the expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of CAD patients and controls.

Methods

The lncRNA expression profiling of PBMC obtained from 40 CAD patients and 10 non-obstructive coronary atherosclerosis (NOCA) subjects were analyzed using the Illumina Hiseq 4000 sequencer. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate the differentially expressed lncRNAs. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses of mRNA were conducted to predict biologic functions.

Results

Our results indicated that lncRNAs were differentially expressed; 83 were upregulated lncRNAs and 114 were downregulated lncRNAs (P<0.05). A horizontal comparison of lncRNA expression indicated that the change in the expression profile of 48 lncRNAs was consistent with the degree of CAD. Six lncRNAs were validated using qRT-PCR, confirming the accuracy of the RNA sequencing analysis. GO analysis indicated that these dysregulated lncRNA transcripts were related to chromatin organization, cell and cell part, and protein heterodimerization activity. Pathway analysis indicated that these differentially expressed genes mainly included viral carcinogenesis, systemic lupus erythematosus and alcoholism.

Conclusions

Our preliminary findings indicate that lncRNAs could be used as potential biomarkers of subclinical cardiac abnormalities in the PBMC of CAD patients. However, further studies are needed to verify our findings and hypothesis.

Utilization of statins and LDL-cholesterol target attainment in Turkish patients with type 2 diabetes - a nationwide cross-sectional study (TEMD dyslipidemia study)

BACKGROUND

Attaining acceptable levels of LDL Cholesterol (LDL-C) significantly improves cardiovascular (CV) outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The LDL-C target attainment and the characteristics of patients attaining these targets were investigated in this study. Furthermore, the reasons for not choosing statins and the physicians' attitudes on the treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia were also examined.

METHODS

A nationwide, cross-sectional survey was conducted in tertiary centers for diabetes management. Adult patients with T2DM, who were under follow-up for at least a year in outpatient clinics, were consecutively enrolled for the study. LDL-C goals were defined as below 70 mg/dL for patients with macrovascular complications or diabetic nephropathy, and below 100 mg/dL for other patients. Data about lipid-lowering medications were self-reported.

RESULTS

A total of 4504 patients (female: 58.6%) were enrolled for the study. The mean HbA1c and diabetes duration was 7.73 ± 1.74% and 10.9 ± 7.5 years, respectively. The need for statin treatment was 94.9% (n = 4262); however, only 42.4% (n = 1807) of these patients were under treatment, and only 24.8% (n = 448) of these patients achieved LDL-C targets. The main reason for statin discontinuation was negative media coverage (87.5%), while only a minority of patients (12.5%) mentioned side effects. Physicians initiated lipid-lowering therapy in only 20.3% of patients with high LDL-C levels. It was observed that the female gender was a significant independent predictor of not attaining LDL-C goals (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.59-0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Less than 50 % of patients with T2DM who need statins were under treatment, and only a quarter of them attained their LDL-C targets. There exists a significant gap between the guideline recommendations and the real-world evidence in the treatment of dyslipidemia in T2DM.

Non-statin lipid-lowering therapy over time in very-high-risk patients: effectiveness of fixed-dose statin/ezetimibe compared to separate pill combination on LDL-C

Background

Many patients at very-high atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk do not reach guideline-recommended targets for LDL-C. There is a lack of data on real-world use of non-statin lipid-lowering therapies (LLT) and little is known on the effectiveness of fixed-dose combinations (FDC). We therefore studied prescription trends in oral non-statin LLT and their effects on LDL-C.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of electronic medical records of outpatients at very-high cardiovascular risk treated by general practitioners (GPs) and cardiologists, and prescribed LLT in Germany between 2013 and 2018.

Results

Data from 311,242 patients were analysed. Prescriptions for high-potency statins (atorvastatin and rosuvastatin) increased from 10.4% and 25.8% of patients treated by GPs and cardiologists, respectively, in 2013, to 34.7% and 58.3% in 2018. Prescription for non-statin LLT remained stable throughout the period and low especially for GPs. Ezetimibe was the most prescribed non-statin LLT in 2018 (GPs, 76.1%; cardiologists, 92.8%). Addition of ezetimibe in patients already prescribed a statin reduced LDL-C by an additional 23.8% (32.3 ± 38.4 mg/dL), with a greater reduction with FDC [reduction 28.4% (40.0 ± 39.1 mg/dL)] as compared to separate pills [19.4% (27.5 ± 33.8 mg/dL)]; p < 0.0001. However, only a small proportion of patients reached the recommended LDL-C level of < 70 mg/dL (31.5% with FDC and 21.0% with separate pills).

Conclusions

Prescription for high-potency statins increased over time. Non-statin LLT were infrequently prescribed by GPs. The reduction in LDL-C when statin and ezetimibe were prescribed in combination was considerably larger for FDC; however, a large proportion of patients still remained with uncontrolled LDL-C levels.

Graphic abstract

Treatment Patterns of Lipid-Lowering Therapy in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease Aged Above and Below 75 Years: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study of 1500 Patients in a Tertiary Care Referral Center in Germany

Introduction

Lipid-lowering therapy of elderly patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) inherits a medical challenge, as these patients experience a higher absolute risk reduction but may be more prone to side effects. We aimed to evaluate the treatment patterns in lipid-lowering therapy, comparing CAD patients above versus below 75 years of age.

Methods

We retrospectively included patients with known CAD admitted to the West German Heart and Vascular Center. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and intensity of statin therapy (based on dosage and type of statin) were assessed from all available hospital records.

Results

We included 1500 patients (mean age 68.4 ± 11.2 years, 75.7% male) from 813 referring treating primary care physicians in 98 cities of Germany in our analysis. A total of 982 patients were < 75 years of age, whereas 518 were ≥ 75 years of age. LDL-C levels did not differ between age groups (≥ 75: 96.0 ± 35.1 mg/dl; < 75: 98.9 ± 35.8 mg/dl, p = 0.13). Simvastatin was most frequently prescribed in both age groups (54.9% vs. 50.7% for age ≥ 75 vs. < 75 years, p = 0.16), followed by atorvastatin (31.6% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.53). Elderly patients received slightly lower statin doses as compared to patients < 75 years of age (28.8 ± 12.8 mg vs. 31.4 ± 13.7 mg, p = 0.0007). Interestingly, patients ≥ 75 years of age achieved LDL-C < 70 mg/dl slightly more frequently than younger patients (24.0% vs. 20.1%, p = 0.09), while only a minority had LDL-C < 55 mg/dl in both age groups. Excluding patients with myocardial infarction at presentation, creatine kinase levels were not relevantly different between age groups (131.9 ± 450.0 U/l vs. 127.5 ± 111.4 U/l, p = 0.78).

Conclusion

Patients ≥ 75 years of age receive lower doses of statin therapy and reach slightly lower LDL-C levels. However, the majority of elderly patients miss current recommendations regarding LDL-C thresholds.

Lipoprotein apheresis in Germany - Still more commonly indicated than implemented. How can patients in need access therapy?

BACKGROUND

Although lipid-lowering drugs, especially statins, and recently also PCSK9 inhibitors can reduce LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) including coronary artery disease (CAD) events most efficiently, only 5-10% of high-risk cardiovascular patients reach the target values recommended by international guidelines. In patients who cannot be treated adequately by drugs it is possible to reduce increased LDL-C and/or lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) values by the use of lipoprotein apheresis (LA) with the potential to decrease severe CVD events in the range of 70%->80%. Even in Germany, a country with well-established reimbursement guidelines for LA, knowledge about this life-saving therapy is unsatisfactory in medical disciplines treating patients with CVD. Starting in 1996 our aim was to offer LA treatment following current guidelines for all patients in the entire region of our clinic as standard of care.

METHODS

Based on the experience of our large apheresis competence center overlooking now nearly 80,000 LA treatments in the last two decades, we depict the necessary structure for identification of patients, defining indication, referral, implementation and standardisation of therapy as well as for reimbursement. LA is unfamiliar for most patients and even for many practitioners and consultants. Therefore nephrologists performing more than 90% of LA in Germany have to form a network for referral and ongoing medical education, comprising all regional care-givers, general practitioners as well as the respective specialists and insurances or other cost bearing parties for offering a scientifically approved therapeutic regimen and comprehensive care. The German Lipid Association (Lipid-Liga) has implemented the certification of a lipidological competence center as an appropriate way to realize such a network structure.

RESULTS

Working as a lipidological and apheresis competence center in a region of 400,000 to 500,000 inhabitants, today we treat 160 patients in the chronic LA program. In spite of the availability of PCSK9 inhibitors since 2015, LA has remained as an indispensable therapeutic option for targeted lipid lowering treatment. An analysis of nearly 37,000 LA treatments in our own center documented a >80% reduction of cardiovascular events in patients treated by regular LA when comparing with the situation before the start of the LA therapy. We have implemented the concept of an apheresis competence center characterised by ongoing medical education with a focus on lipidological and cardiovascular aspects, interdisciplinary networking and referral.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence and prevalence of LA patients in our region demonstrate that based on our ongoing patient-centered approach the access of patients in need to LA is substantially above the German average, thus contributing to an extraordinary reduction of cardiovascular events in the population we in particular feel responsible for.

Surface stabilized atorvastatin nanocrystals with improved bioavailability, safety and antihyperlipidemic potential

Atorvastatin, a favored option for hyperlipidemia exhibits the problem of poor gastric solubility and low absolute bioavailability (12%) along with higher pre-systemic clearance (>80%). Therefore, to circumvent these limitations, atorvastatin nanocrystals were prepared using poloxamer-188 as stabilizer via high pressure homogenization technique followed by lyophilization. Various variables like drug to poloxamer-188 ratio, homogenization cycle, homogenization pressure, type and concentration of cryoprotectant were optimized to achieve uniform nanosized crystals with good dispersibility. Solid state characterization by ATR-FTIR and DSC revealed no incompatible physicochemical interaction between drug and excipients in formulation while DSC and PXRD collectively corroborated the reduced crystallinity of drug in nanocrystals. Size analysis and SEM confirmed nanometric size range of nanocrystals (225.43 ± 24.36 nm). Substantial improvement in gastric solubility (~40 folds) and dissolution rate of drug in nanocrystals was observed. Pharmacokinetic study in wistar rats revealed significant improvement in oral bioavailability (~2.66 folds) with atorvastatin nanocrystals compared to pure drug. Furthermore, reduction in serum total lipid cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride content justified the effectiveness of formulation at 50% less dose of atorvastatin along with improved plasma safety profile in comparison of pure drug. In conclusion, atorvastatin nanocrystals are safe and efficacious drug delivery system confirming potent competence in treatment of hyperlipidemic conditions with ease of scalability for commercialization.

[Improvement of LDL-C target value achievement through cardiac rehabilitation in patients with acute coronary syndrome: PATIENT-CARE registry]

BACKGROUND

For patients undergoing acute coronary syndrome, participation in cardiac rehabilitation includes, in addition to lifestyle modification, optimal adjustment to secondary preventive medication. As a result, follow-up events can be prevented very effectively.

METHOD

The PATIENT-CARE registry study examined the treatment of patients during rehabilitation. Of particular interest was whether LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) targets were met.

RESULTS

The rate of treated patients increased in almost all classes of medication. At discharge, 96.7% of patients received statins, 98.5% antithrombotics and 22.3% antidiabetics. LDL-C was significantly reduced during rehabilitation - on average by 21.3 mg/dl (0.55 mmol/l). 41.9% of the patients achieved the LDL-C target value.

CONCLUSION

The results show that the optimization of secondary drug prevention in the outpatient sector must be continued unconditionally and consistently.

New Insights in the Control of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is one major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this review, we discuss current developments in the understanding of LDL-C as lifelong risk factor, treatment targets, and emerging approaches to reduce cardiovascular risk by lowering LDL-C.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent evidence underscores the importance of LDL-C lowering in CVD prevention by mechanisms that increase the hepatic clearance of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins from the plasma. Mendelian randomization studies provided evidence on both safety and efficacy of lower LDL-C in the long term. For young individuals, metrics other than 10-year CVD risk are required. Despite this evidence, LDL-C treatment target attainment is poor. Novel approaches are therefore needed. These include individualized strategies and new LDL-C-lowering pharmaceuticals. Early, long-term treatment with LDL-C-lowering therapies has the potential to markedly reduce CVD incidence and progression. Future research should aim to identify patient characteristics that enable physicians to tailor therapy to each individual patient.

Apolipoproteins A1, B, and apoB/apoA1 ratio are associated with first ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction but not with recurrent events during long-term follow-up

INTRODUCTION

The current way to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is to measure conventional lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol fractions. Despite the success of statin treatment, residual cardiovascular risk remains high. Therefore, the value of extensive serum apolipoprotein (apo) profiling to assess the risk of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with STEMI was investigated in a case-control design.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Serum apo levels were measured using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry in 299 healthy individuals and 220 patients with STEMI. First, the association of apo profiles in baseline samples with risk of STEMI was examined, and second, the association of apo profiles at baseline with risk of recurrent MACE in patients with STEMI in a longitudinal study design was studied. High baseline (> 1.25 g/L) apoA1 levels were associated with a decreased risk of STEMI [odds ratio (OR) 0.17; 95% CI 0.11-0.26], whereas high apoB (> 1.00 g/L) levels (OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.40-3.36) and apoB/apoA1 ratio (OR per 1 SD (OR/SD): 2.16; 95% CI 1.76-2.65) were associated with an increased risk. Very-low-density-lipoprotein (VLDL)-associated apos gave conflicting results. Neither conventional lipid levels nor apo levels were associated with MACE in the STEMI group.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, apoA1, apoB, and apoB/apoA1 were strongly associated with risk of STEMI. No clear relation between VLDL-associated apos and the risk of STEMI was found. Neither baseline serum apos nor lipids predicted MACE in statin-treated patients during long-term follow-up after a first STEMI.

Assessment of the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio as a predictor of one year clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes after percutaneous coronary intervention and drug-eluting stent implantation

Background

Despite significant advances in the management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS), there are still plenty of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and stent implantation suffered poor prognosis and high treatment expenditure. Evidence increasingly suggests that the ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratio might be a novel marker for the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but the impact of LDL-C/HDL-C ratio on 1-year prognosis of drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation patients after PCI is still not reported. Our aim of the study was to investigate the impact of LDL-C/HDL-C ratio on 1-year prognosis of DES implantation patients after PCI.

Methods

Between May 2014 and July 2016, 1937 patients who were underwent primary PCI and DES implantation and achieving LDL-C with statins were enrolled and divided into two groups based on the ratio of LDL-C/HDL-C.

Results

The entire occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events according to the ratio of LDL-C/HDL-C showed that there were no significant differences in 1-year cardiovascular death (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49 to 7.84, P = 0.329), myocardial infarction (MI) (HR: 1.66, 95% CI: 0.84 to 3.28, P = 0.172) and bleeding events (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.41, P = 0.598) The cumulative incidence of target lesion revascularization (TLR) (HR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.86, P = 0.007), stent thrombosis (ST) (HR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.06 to 3.93, P = 0.037) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (HR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.24 to 1.91, P <  0.001) were significantly higher in high group than in low group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age (HR: 1.556, 95%, CI: 1.198 to 2.021, P <  0.001), together with diabetes mellitus (HR: 1.490, 95% CI: 1.142 to 1.945, P = 0.003), and ratio of LDL-C/HDL-C (HR: 1.638, 95% CI: 1.260 to 2.218, P <  0.001) were independent predictors of 1-year MACE. The Kaplan-Meier cumulative MACE-free survival curves with a log-rank test showed that the presence of high ratio of LDL-C/HDL-C was associated with higher incidences of MACE after PCI with DES implantation.

Conclusions

The high LDL-C/HDL-C ratio was associated with cardiovascular events in patients with ACS after PCI and DES implantation.

Association of medication adherence and depression with the control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure in patients at high cardiovascular risk

BACKGROUND

Many patients at high cardiovascular risk do not reach targets for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and blood pressure (BP). Depression is a frequent comorbidity in these patients and contributes to poor medication adherence.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to elucidate the associations between adherence to lipid-and BP-lowering drugs, the diagnosis of depression, and the control of LDL-C and BP.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study was conducted as multicenter, single-visit cross-sectional study in Germany. Adherence was assessed by the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 (MMAS-8), and depression was assessed as documented in the patient chart.

RESULTS

A total of 3,188 ambulatory patients with hypercholesterolemia (39.8%), stable coronary artery disease (CAD; 7.4%), or both (52.9%) were included. Patients had a history of myocardial infarction (30.8%), diabetes (42.0%), were smokers (19.7%), and 16.1% had the investigator-reported diagnosis of depression. High or moderate adherence to lipid-lowering medication compared to low adherence was associated with lower LDL-C levels (105.5±38.3 vs 120.8±42.4 mg/dL) and lower BP (systolic BP 133.4±14.5 vs 137.9±13.9 mmHg, diastolic BP 78.3±9.6 vs 81.8±9.6 mmHg) and with a higher proportion of patients achieving the guideline-recommended LDL-C (16.9% vs 10.1%) and BP target (52.2% vs 40.8%, all comparisons P<0.0001). Adherence was worse in patients with depression. Correspondingly, patients with depression showed higher LDL-C levels, higher BP, and a lower probability of achieving the LDL-C and BP goal. Medication adherence correlated between BP- and lipid-lowering medications.

CONCLUSION

Self-reported medication adherence can be easily obtained in daily practice. A low adherence and the diagnosis of depression identify patients at risk for uncontrolled LDL-C and BP who likely benefit from intensified care.

Disconcordance between ESC prevention guidelines and observed lipid profiles in patients with known coronary artery disease

Background

We aimed to describe whether updated low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-targets in patients with manifest coronary artery disease (CAD) led to a change in lipid profile over time.

Methods

We retrospectively included patients with manifest CAD from 2009–2010, 2012–2013, and 2015–2016 (n = 500 each). Lipid levels and medication at the different time-points as well as rate of accordance to guidelines (<100 for 2009–2010, <70 mg/dl for 2012–2013 and 2015–2016) were evaluated.

Results

Overall, 1500 subjects (mean age: 68.4 ± 11.2 years, 75.8% male) from 813 attending primary care physicians were included. Mean LDL-level was 98.0 ± 35.7 mg/dl, whereas 34.1% reached LDL-targets according to guidelines as applied at each time-point. Reduction of LDL-goals in 2011 lead to an initial decrease in LDL from 98.3 ± 33.4 mg/dl in 2009–2010 to 93.9 ± 36.3 mg/dl in 2012–2013 (p = 0.045). This effect was no longer present in 2015–2016 (101.6 ± 36.6 mg/dl, p = 0.17). The rate of patients meeting recommended LDL-targets decreased over time (2009–2010: 56.6%, 2012–2013: 25.4%, 2015–2016: 20.2%, p < 0.0001 for trend). Likewise, the frequency of statin-intake decreased over time (93.6% in 2009–2010 to 83.7% in 2015-2016, p < 0.0001). While use of medium intensity statins was most frequent (69.4%), only 20.9% of patients with medium intensity statins reached LDL-targets according to guidelines.

Conclusion

In a large clinical cohort of patients with known coronary artery disease, reduction of LDL-targets in ESC-guidelines in 2011 led to an initial decline in LDL-levels, while this effect was attenuated over time with the majority of patients missing treatment goals. Higher acceptance and compliance of statin therapy is warranted to utilize its effect in secondary prevention in CAD-patients.

Association of a Combined Measure of Adherence and Treatment Intensity With Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Atherosclerosis or Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors Treated With Statins and/or Ezetimibe

IMPORTANCE

Both adherence and treatment intensity can alter the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy in routine clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association of adherence and treatment intensity with cardiovascular outcomes in patients with documented cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes without CVD or chronic kidney disease (CKD), and CKD without CVD.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink from January 2010 through February 2016. United Kingdom primary care was the setting. Participants were newly treated patients who received their first statin and/or ezetimibe prescription between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2013, plus an additional prescription for statins and/or ezetimibe during the following year.

EXPOSURES

Adherence was assessed annually using the proportion of days covered, with adherent defined as a proportion of days covered of 80% or higher. Treatment intensity was classified according to guidelines based on the expected percentage of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction as low (<30% reduction), moderate (30% to <50% reduction), or high (≥50% reduction). Adherence and treatment intensity were multiplied to create a combined measure, reflecting treatment intensity after accounting for adherence.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Composite end point of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for myocardial infarction, unstable angina, ischemic stroke, heart failure, or revascularization. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated against patients not treated for 1 year or longer.

RESULTS

Among a total of 29 797 newly treated patients, there were 16 701, 12 422, and 674 patients with documented CVD, type 2 diabetes without CVD or CKD, and CKD without CVD, respectively; mean (SD) ages were 68.3 (13.2), 59.3 (12.4), and 67.3 (15.1) years, and male proportions were 60.6%, 55.0%, and 47.0%. In the documented CVD cohort, patients receiving high-intensity therapy were more likely to be adherent over time (84.1% in year 1 and 72.3% in year 6) than patients receiving low-intensity therapy (57.4% in year 1 and 48.4% in year 6). Using a combined measure of adherence and treatment intensity, a graded association was observed with both LDL-C reduction and CVD outcomes: each 10% increase in the combined measure was associated with a 10% lower risk (HR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.86-0.94). Adherent patients receiving a high-intensity regimen had the lowest risk (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.54-0.68) vs patients untreated for 1 year or longer. Findings in the other 2 cohorts were similar.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Results of this study demonstrate that the lowest cardiovascular risk was observed among adherent patients receiving high-intensity therapy, and the highest cardiovascular risk was observed among nonadherent patients receiving low-intensity therapy. Strategies that improve adherence and greater use of intensive therapies could substantially improve cardiovascular risk.

Improvement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol target achievement rates through cardiac rehabilitation for patients after ST elevation myocardial infarction or non-ST elevation myocardial infarction in Germany: Results of the PATIENT CARE registry

Aims

The PATIENT CARE registry aimed to document clinical characteristics of patients during cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction, including the current pharmacological treatment, risk factor modification and achievement of treatment targets for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

Methods

Multicentre, prospective non-interventional study at 20 cardiac rehabilitation in-patient centres across Germany.

Results

A total of 1408 patients post myocardial infarction were analysed. Patients’ mean age was 62 ± 11 years and 27.0% were women. ST elevation myocardial infarction ( n = 657; 48.7%), and non-ST elevation myocardial infarction ( n = 617; 45.8%) were equally balanced causes for hospitalization, while previous coronary artery bypass grafting was reported in n = 134 patients (9.9%). On average, cardiac rehabilitation began 19 ± 10 days after the index event and lasted for 22 ± 4 days. At discharge, 96.7% of patients received statins, 13.0% another lipid-lowering medication in addition to a statin, 98.5% antithrombotic drugs and 22.3% antidiabetic medication. The rate of patients with LDL-C on target according to the European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society dyslipidaemia guidelines 2011 (<70 mg/dl (1.8 mmol/l) or at least 50% reduction of baseline value) was increased from 21.4% at admission to cardiac rehabilitation to 41.9% at discharge after cardiac rehabilitation. Most patients (95.2%) completed the cardiac rehabilitation and 88% returned to their former work at full time.

Conclusion

During cardiac rehabilitation, the modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, in particular the LDL-C, were substantially improved in patients after myocardial infarction. The great majority were able to return to work. However, less than 50% reached the LDL-C guideline targets during short-term cardiac rehabilitation.

Ezetimibe in high-risk, previously treated statin patients: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of lipid efficacy

PURPOSE

While statins are used as first-line treatments for high-risk patients with hypercholesterolemia, statin monotherapy is often insufficient to achieve target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Second-line treatment options include up-titration of statin dose, switching to a more potent statin, or combination therapy, e.g., with ezetimibe. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of adding ezetimibe to simvastatin, atorvastatin, or rosuvastatin monotherapy versus doubling the dosage or switching to a higher-potency statin in a population of patients with hypocholesterolemia at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and who had been previously treated with a statin.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed and evidence bases were established for populations of atorvastatin-, simvastatin-, and rosuvastatin-experienced patients using eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Based on the available data, we constructed networks of evidence and conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) within each statin population. The primary outcome of interest was percent change from baseline in LDL-C. Changes in total cholesterol were explored as a secondary outcome.

FINDINGS

Across all patient populations, 35 RCTs were identified and included in the evidence base. Among patients on simvastatin therapy, the addition of ezetimibe resulted in a mean difference (MD) in LDL-C of - 13.62% (95% CrI - 19.99, - 6.91; see table below) compared to doubling the starting dose of simvastatin. In the population of patients on atorvastatin therapy, the addition of ezetimibe resulted in an MD in LDL-C of - 14.71% (95% CrI - 16.46, - 12.95) compared to doubling the starting dose of atorvastatin. The addition of ezetimibe to rosuvastatin resulted in an MD in LDL-C of - 14.96% (95% CrI - 17.79, - 12.11), compared to doubling the starting rosuvastatin dose. Similar trends were observed for changes in total cholesterol.

IMPLICATIONS

Given the available data, the addition of ezetimibe to ongoing simvastatin, atorvastatin, or rosuvastatin monotherapy offers greater reduction in LDL-C among patients at high risk of CVD compared to doubling the initial statin dose.

Beyond conventional secondary prevention in coronary artery disease-what to choose in the era of CANTOS, COMPASS, FOURIER, ODYSSEY and PEGASUS-TIMI 54? A review on contemporary literature

Patients with established cardiovascular (CV) disease remain at dramatic residual risk for subsequent events, despite growing evidence in secondary prevention and wider dissemination of intensive treatment. This review focuses on new options in secondary risk prevention as presented by these five major randomized controlled trials (RCT): PEGASUS-TIMI 54, COMPASS, FOURIER, ODYSSEY and CANTOS. Three main therapeutic targets are addressed: residual cholesterol, residual inflammatory and residual thrombotic risk. All of the trials reviewed included patients with stable CV disease on optimal medical treatment with a surprising similar mortality. As of now, evolocumab, alirocumab and ticagrelor are on the market, while rivaroxaban and canakinumab are not yet licensed for the treatment of secondary prevention in CV disease. Although life-style modifications and better utilization of established medical treatment options will remain first-line strategy, new medication is just about to enter the market. Secondary prevention in coronary artery disease (CAD) holds a strong potential to reduce subsequent CV events, even CV death. It seems that a combination of an aggressive lipid-lowering treatment in combination with antithrombotic therapy could improve prognosis significantly (at least for distinct subgroups). Against this background, individual efficacy, risk, and costs have to be considered when identifying patients for each new regime.

Treatment patterns and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment among patients receiving high- or moderate-intensity statins

Background

European clinical guidelines recommend a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal of < 70 mg/dL. Statin use varies and past studies suggest low rates of real-world goal attainment. This study describes LDL-C goal attainment among atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD) patients with various utilization patterns of moderate- or high-intensity statins in routine care.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used electronic medical records data from the QuintilesIMS® Disease Analyzer (> 2 million individuals annually) to identify ASCVD (coronary atherosclerosis, stable/unstable angina, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, aneurysm, peripheral artery disease) patients on moderate-/high-intensity statin in Germany. Proportion of patients with LDL-C < 70 mg/dL was determined using the lowest LDL-C value for each patient (index) in 2012, 2013, and 2014, while on statin. Treatment patterns were assessed for patients with at least 1 year of post-index follow-up. Results were stratified by year and treatment pattern [no change, switch, dose up-/down-titration, discontinuation (≥ 90 day gap)].

Results

In > 14,000 patients assessed in each year (mean age 71 years, 35% female, 8–12% taking high-intensity statins), approximately 80% had LDL-C ≥ 70 mg/dL. Treatment patterns were assessed for most (88–93%) patients. Approximately 79–81% of patients made no change to statin regimens, 1% switched statins, 14–16% discontinued; 1% of moderate-intensity patients up-titrated, and 3% of all patients down-titrated. LDL-C goal attainment in these treatment pattern groups was 20, 16–24, 17, 11–14, and 17–19%, respectively.

Conclusions

Majority of ASCVD patients had LDL-C ≥ 70 mg/dL while on moderate-/high-intensity statins. Despite low LDL-C goal attainment, few patients changed their treatment regimens.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00392-017-1193-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Lipidological competence centres and networks: Future perspectives to improve healthcare of patients with disorders of lipid metabolism

BACKGROUND

Numerous healthcare studies have shown that more than 90% of all patients with dyslipidaemia are not treated adequately.

OBJECTIVES

The "Deutsche Gesellschaft zur Bekämpfung von Fettstoffwechselstörungen und ihren Folgeerkrankungen (DGFF)" [German Society of Lipidology], a non-profit professional membership organization, has already made a series of efforts to improve the care of patients suffering from dyslipidaemia. A recent outcome is the nationwide implementation and certification of Lipidological Competence Centres and Networks (LCCNs).

METHODS AND RESULTS

By involving numerous external medical cooperation partners and combining the detailed work of different in-house medical specialists, the Medical Care Centre Kempten-Allgäu was able to improve both the diagnosis and treatment of patients exhibiting disorders of lipid metabolism (DLM). This local lipidological network is so successful, that it may serve as a nationwide standard model for outpatient lipidological care. Detailed organizational structures for improved lipidological care which are suitable to provide a template for future guidelines for the certification of LCCNs have been developed by the Medical Care Centre Kempten-Allgäu. Stringent requirements of implementation with respect to medical staff, content and structure, staff training, patient education and public relations as well as to documentation, quality assurance and quality improvement must be fulfilled both by the lipidological competence centre (LCC) and the cooperation partners within the lipidological network (LN). Finally, members of the health care system (e.g. health policy and health insurances) should be involved in this attempt and convinced of financial support.

CONCLUSION

The implementation and certification of national LCCNs supported by DGFF could contribute to a comprehensive improvement in the care of patients with dyslipidaemia, resulting in prevention of cardiovascular diseases and reduction of cardiovascular sequelae.

HDL cholesterol: reappraisal of its clinical relevance

Background

While several lines of evidence prove that elevated concentrations of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) causally contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and its clinical consequences, high-density lipoproteins are still widely believed to exert atheroprotective effects. Hence, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) is in general still considered as “good cholesterol”. Recent research, however, suggests that this might not always be the case and that a fundamental reassessment of the clinical significance of HDL-C is warranted.

Method

This review article is based on a selective literature review.

Results

In individuals without a history of cardiovascular events, low concentrations of HDL-C are inversely associated with the risk of future cardiovascular events. This relationship may, however, not apply to patients with metabolic disorders or manifest cardiovascular disease. The classical function of HDL is to mobilise cholesterol from extrahepatic tissues for delivery to the liver for excretion. These roles in cholesterol metabolism as well as many other biological functions of HDL particles are dependent on the number as well as protein and lipid composition of HDL particles. They are poorly reflected by the HDL-C concentration. HDL can even exert negative vascular effects, if its composition is pathologically altered. High serum HDL-C is therefore no longer regarded protective. In line with this, recent pharmacological approaches to raise HDL-C concentration have not been able to show reductions of cardiovascular outcomes.

Conclusion

In contrast to LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-C correlates with cardiovascular risk only in healthy individuals. The calculation of the ratio of LDL-C to HDL-C is not useful for all patients. Low HDL-C should prompt examination of additional metabolic and inflammatory pathologies. An increase in HDL-C through lifestyle change (smoking cessation, physical exercise) has positive effects and is recommended. However, HDL-C is currently not a valid target for drug therapy.

Specific Inhibition of the Distribution of Lobeglitazone to the Liver by Atorvastatin in Rats: Evidence for a Rat Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide 1B2-Mediated Interaction in Hepatic Transport

Cytochrome P450 enzymes and human organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1 are reported to be involved in the pharmacokinetics of lobeglitazone (LB), a new peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist. Atorvastatin (ATV), a substrate for CYP3A and human OATP1B1, is likely to be coadministered with LB in patients with the metabolic syndrome. We report herein on a study of potential interactions between LB and ATV in rats. When LB was administered intravenously with ATV, the systemic clearance and volume of distribution at steady state for LB remained unchanged (2.67 ± 0.63 ml/min per kg and 289 ± 20 ml/kg, respectively), compared with that of LB without ATV (2.34 ± 0.37 ml/min per kg and 271 ± 20 ml/kg, respectively). Although the tissue-to-plasma partition coefficient (K_p) of LB was not affected by ATV in most major tissues, the liver K_p for LB was decreased by ATV coadministration. Steady-state liver K_p values for three levels of LB were significantly decreased as a result of ATV coadministration. LB uptake was inhibited by ATV in rat OATP1B2-overexpressing Madin-Darby canine kidney cells and in isolated rat hepatocytes in vitro. After incorporating the kinetic parameters for the in vitro studies into a physiologically based pharmacokinetics model, the characteristics of LB distribution to the liver were consistent with the findings of the in vivo study. It thus appears that the distribution of LB to the liver is mediated by the hepatic uptake of transporters such as rat OATP1B2, and carrier-mediated transport is involved in the liver-specific drug-drug interaction between LB and ATV in vivo.