12-month follow-up results of high dose rosuvastatin loading before percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Efficacy of single high-dose statin prior to percutaneous coronary intervention in acute coronary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The impacts of single high-dose statin preloading in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have not been fully examined. This study aims to evaluate post-procedure impacts of single high-dose statin pretreatment with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODS

The meta-analysis reviewed Cochrane, PubMed, and Medline databases for studies comparing single high-dose atorvastatin or rosuvastatin to placebo in ACS patients undergoing PCI. The primary endpoints included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), myocardial infarction (MI), all-cause mortality, and target vessel revascularization (TVR) at three months. Secondary endpoints examined were the TIMI flow grade 3 and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

RESULTS

Comprehensive analysis was conducted on fifteen RCTs, encompassing a total of 6,207 patients (3090 vs 3117 patients). The pooled results demonstrated that a single high-dose of statin administered prior to PCI led to a significant decrease in the incidence of MACE at three months post-PCI compared to the control group (OR 0.50, 95%CI 0.35-0.71, p = 0.0001). The occurrence of MI (OR 0.57, 95%CI 0.42-0.77, p = 0.0002), all-cause mortality (OR 0.56, 95%CI 0.39-0.81, p = 0.0002), and TVR (OR 0.56, 95%CI 0.35-0.92, p = 0.02) was significantly lower in the statin single high-dose group compared to the control group. No significant effects on TIMI flow grade 3 (OR 1.20, 95%CI 0.94-1.53, p = 0.14) or left ventricular ejection fraction (OR 2.19, 95%CI - 0.97 to 5.34, p = 0.17) were observed. Subgroup analysis demonstrated reduced incidence of MACE with a single dose of 80 mg atorvastatin (OR 0.66, 95%CI 0.54-0.81, p < 0.0001) and 40 mg rosuvastatin (OR 0.19, 95%CI 0.07-0.54, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Single high-dose statin before PCI in patients with ACS significantly reduces MACE, MI, all-cause mortality, and TVR three months post-PCI.

Treatment of dyslipidemia in acute coronary syndrome

Despite numerous improvements in the management of acute coronary syndrome(ACS), it is a major cause of mortality in India. Lipids play a critical role in pathogenesis of ACS and reduction of lipid parameters plays a pivotal role in secondary prevention. High total cholesterol and high low-density lipoprotein(LDL) are the major lipid abnormalities globally as well as in Indians. Among all the lipid parameters, LDL is the primary target of lipid-lowering therapies across the globe. High-dose statins, ezetimibe, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors, and bempedoic acid are recommended therapies for LDL reduction in ACS patients. Statins have pleiotropic effects on the modulation of thrombogenesis, endothelial dysfunction, and myocardial protection. Multiple randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses have shown that the use of high-dose statin has significant benefits in ACS. LDL reduction goal is < 55 mg/dl or at least 50 % reduction from the baseline regardless of age or gender. Non-fasting LDL should be measured soon after the ACS as it varies minimally with food intake. The first line of therapy after ACS is to advise lifestyle modifications, combination therapy including high-dose statin with ezetimibe, and evaluation after 4-6 weeks of the index event. If the goal is not achieved then PCSK 9 inhibitors or Bempedoic acid should be used in combination with statins and ezetimibe to reduce recurrent ischaemic events. Despite the proven effect of these lipid-lowering therapies, undertreatment is still a big hurdle across the globe. Prohibitive costs, adverse effects, medication non-adherence, variation in health practice in different countries, and clinical inertia to prescribe this medication by physicians are the main reasons for the undertreatment.

Effect of More Intensive LDL-C-Lowering Therapy on Long-term Cardiovascular Outcomes in Early-Phase Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The effect of more intensive LDL-C-lowering therapy (ILLT) on long-term cardiovascular outcomes during the early phase of acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) remains uncertain. We aimed to explore the influence of more intensive LDL-C-lowering therapyduring the early disease phase on long-term cardiovascular events among patients with ACSs.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials that focused on the effect of more ILLT during early-phase ACSs on long-term major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were searched in electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases) from database inception until November 23, 2019. The end points included the incidence of MACEs, myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization, heart failure, and death events. Study risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tools. Fixed- or random-effects models and meta-regression were performed to evaluate the association between baseline/proportional reduction of LDL-C levels during early-phase disease and the risk of end points using risk ratios with 95% CIs.

FINDINGS

A total of 53,199 participants were involved from 19 studies. The risk of MACEs decreased by 17% (95% CI, 0.76-0.90; P = 0.0012) for more intensive versus control therapy but varied by baseline and proportional reduction of LDL-C levels during early disease phase. The risk reduction of MACEs for more intensive versus control therapy among different subgroups was 26% (95% CI, 0.57-0.95; P = 0.06) with a baseline level >130 mg/dL, 23% (95% CI, 0.63-0.94; P = 0.02) with a baseline level of 100 to 130 mg/dL, and 10% (95% CI, 0.83-0.99; P = 0.07) with a baseline level <100 mg/dL. A significant difference of risk reduction for MACEs existed between patients treated with statin plus ezetimibe versus statin alone in the subgroup with a baseline level >130 mg/dL and proportional reduction >50%. Patients treated with more intensive therapy benefited from reduced risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, revascularization, and heart failure compared with control therapy.

IMPLICATIONS

More ILLT during early disease phase could significantly reduce the risk of long-term cardiovascular outcome in patients with ACSs. This benefit was most pronounced in patients with higher baseline and larger reduction of LDL-C levels in MACEs.

Safety and Efficacy of Perioperative Use of Evolocumab in Myocardial Infarction Patients: Study Protocol for a Multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

The SECURE-PCI study supports a perioperative loading dose of statins, although whether an intensive lipid-lowering strategy prior to percutaneous coronary intervention further benefits acute coronary syndrome patients remains controversial. Evolocumab, a proprotein-converting enzyme subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor, acts more quickly and effectively than statins and reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients. Nonetheless, whether it can be safely used in perioperative MI patients and whether perioperative application can benefit patients are still unknown. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this treatment regimen.

METHODS

A multicentre, prospective, randomized, controlled superiority trial will be conducted in 530 statin-naïve MI patients. All eligible patients will be randomized to the evolocumab group (140 mg subcutaneously injected once before revascularization + 14 days after the first dose) or the control group (no evolocumab injection). Evolocumab will then be administered depending on the patient's lipid profile. Both groups will be treated simultaneously with standardized secondary preventive medications. The primary end points are major adverse cardiovascular events (a composite of death, recurrent MI, unanticipated revascularization, stroke and any rehospitalization for ischaemic causes) within 12 months. The secondary end point is post-infarction angina after pain relief. The safety end points include myopathy, impaired liver or renal function, and other adverse events during the follow-up period.

OUTCOMES

This is the first trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of evolocumab pre-treatment on prognosis in MI patients. Perioperative evolocumab injection may be a new, safe way to improve prognosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( http://www.chictr.org.cn ; ChiCTR1900024526). Registered on 13 July 2019 and updated on 31 May 2020. The study is currently recruiting patients.

Role of Lipid-Lowering Therapy in Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Goal Attainment: Focus on Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease, which is the leading cause of death globally. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a common cause of death, accounting for nearly half of the global burden of CV mortality. Epidemiologic studies have identified low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as an independent CV risk factor, and this is now the primary target for initiating and adjusting lipid-lowering therapies in most current guidelines. Evidence from pivotal studies supports the use of high-intensity statin therapy and a lower level for optimal LDL-C in secondary prevention of atherosclerotic CV disease, especially in patients with ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. However, current research has identified a gap between the target LDL-C goal attainment and target LDL-C levels recommended by the guidelines. Statins have proven benefits in the management of CV disease and are the cornerstone of lipid-lowering management in patients with ACS. Recent randomized controlled trials have also demonstrated the benefits of cholesterol absorption inhibitors and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors. This review summarizes the current evidence for LDL-lowering therapy in patients with ACS, with an emphasis on the importance of LDL-C goal attainment, rapid LDL-C lowering, and duration of LDL-C-lowering therapy.

Comparing effectiveness of high-dose Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin among patients undergone Percutaneous Coronary Interventions: A non-concurrent cohort study in India

INTRODUCTION

Atorvastatin-80mg/day and Rosuvastatin-40mg/day are the commonest high-dose statin (3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A reductase inhibitors) regimes for post-PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Interventions) patients to lower (by ≥50%) blood low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Dearth of conclusive evidence from developing world, regarding overall safety, tolerability and comparative effectiveness (outcome/safety/tolerability/endothelial inflammation control) of Rosuvastatin over Atorvastatin in high-dose, given its higher cost, called for an overall and comparative assessment among post-PCI patients in a tertiary cardiac-care hospital of Kolkata, India.

METHODS

A record-based non-concurrent cohort study was conducted involving 942 post-PCI patients, aged 18-75 years, on high-dose statin for three months and followed up for ≥one year. Those on Atorvastatin-80mg (n = 321) and Rosuvastatin-40mg (n = 621) were compared regarding outcome (death/non-fatal myocardial infarction: MI/repeated hospitalization/target-vessel revascularisation/control of LDL and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein: hsCRP), safety (transaminitis/myopathy/myalgia/myositis/rhabdomyolysis), tolerability (gastroesophageal reflux disease: GERD/gastritis) and inflammation control adjusting for socio-demographics, tobacco-use, medications and comorbidities using SAS-9.4.

RESULTS

Groups varied minimally regarding distribution of age/gender/tobacco-use/medication/comorbidity/baseline (pre-PCI) LDL and hs-CRP level. During one-year post-PCI follow up, none died. One acute MI and two target vessel revascularizations occurred per group. Repeated hospitalization for angina/stroke was 2.18% in Atorvastatin group vs. 2.90% in Rosuvastatin group. At three-months follow up, GERD/Gastritis (2.18% vs 4.83%), uncontrolled hs-CRP (22.74% vs 31.08%) and overall non-tolerability (4.67% vs. 8.21%) were lower for Atorvastatin group. Multiple logistic regression did show that compared to Atorvastatin-80mg, Rosuvastatin-40mg regime had poorer control of hs-CRP (A3OR = 1.45,p = 0.0202), higher (A3OR = 2.07) adverse effects, poorer safety profile (A3OR = 1.23), higher GERD/Gastritis (A3OR = 1.50) and poorer overall tolerability (A3OR = 1.50).

CONCLUSION

Post-PCI high dose statins were effective, safe and well-tolerated. High dose Rosuvastatin as compared to high dose Atorvastatin were similar in their clinical efficacy. Patients treated with Atrovastatin had significantly lower number of patients with hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein)/C-reactive protein (CRP) level beyond comparable safe limit and relatively better tolerated as opposed to Rosuvastatin-40mg.Thus given the lower price, Atorvastatin 80mg/day appeared to be more cost-effective. A head-to-head cost-effectiveness as well as efficacy trial may be the need of the hour.

Efficacy of red yeast rice extract on myocardial infarction patients with borderline hypercholesterolemia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Red yeast rice (RYR) extract is widely used for improving cardiovascular outcomes and lipid profiles. However, RYR efficacy on cardiovascular outcomes in myocardial infarction (MI) patients remains unclear. This meta-analysis assessed efficacy of RYR extract in MI patients with borderline hypercholesterolemia. PubMed, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Clinicaltrials.gov were systematically searched from inception through May 2019 for relevant publications. Seven studies with 10,699 MI patients diagnosed with borderline hypercholesterolemia were included. Follow-up periods ranged from 4 weeks - 4.5 years and the studies were overall of high quality with low risk of bias. RYR extract (1,200 mg/day) reduced nonfatal MI (risk ratio (RR) = 0.42, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.52), revascularization (RR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.71), and sudden death (RR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.94). RYR extract also lowered LDL (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -20.70 mg/dL, 95% CI -24.51 to -16.90), TC (WMD = -26.61 mg/dL, 95% CI -31.65 to -21.58), TG (WMD = - 24.69 mg/dL, 95% CI -34.36 to -15.03), and increased HDL levels (WMD = 2.71 mg/dL, 95% CI 1.24 to 4.17). This meta-analysis indicated that RYR extract in MI patients with borderline hypercholesterolemia is associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes and lipid profiles.

Effect of high-dose strong statin for preventing periprocedural ischemic complications of carotid artery stenting

Statin therapy has been shown to induce carotid atherosclerotic plaque regression and reduce the periprocedural ischemic complications of carotid artery stenting (CAS). This study assessed the safety and usefulness of pretreatment using a high-dose strong statin (HDSS) to reduce the periprocedural ischemic complications of CAS. We analyzed 117 carotid lesions treated by CAS that were evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within 48 h after the procedure. For 67 lesions, an HDSS (rosuvastatin 20 mg or atorvastatin 40 mg daily) were prescribed from at least 14 days before CAS to at least 14 days after procedure (HDSS group). Clinical and angiographic data, as well as in-hospital outcomes, of the HDSS group were retrospectively compared with 50 lesions with conventional treatment without an HDSS (non-HDSS group). There were no significant differences in the baseline clinical and procedural characteristics between the two groups. There was no side effect related to the HDSS. Stroke rates were similar between the two groups (3.0% in HDSS group vs 8.0% in non-HDSS group, p = 0.22). All were minor strokes. Compared to the non-HDSS group, the HDSS group had a lower frequency of new lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with MRI (25.4% vs 44.0%, p = 0.0345). New ipsilateral DWI-positive rate in the HDSS group was significantly lower than in the non-HDSS group (16.4% vs 34.0%, p = 0.0275). Nonipsilateral (contralateral or posterior circulation) DWI-positive rates were similar between the two groups (13.4% vs 20.0%, p = 0.34). Pretreatment with an HDSS might reduce the periprocedural ischemic complications of CAS.

Comparison of Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin in Reduction of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Introduction

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has emerged to be a very useful and reliable clinical marker of primary as well as secondary cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Elevated hs-CRP contributes to underlying atherogenesis and worsens disease prognosis. Along with their lipid-lowering properties, statins also contribute to the alleviation of micro-inflammation and reduces pro-inflammatory markers. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of rosuvastatin and atorvastatin in lowering hs-CRP levels in statin-naive patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods

In this prospective, open-label randomized trial, group A was given rosuvastatin 40 mg daily and group B was given atorvastatin 20 mg daily along with standard post-ACS therapy. Lipid profile (mg/dL), hs-CRP (mg/L) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (mm/Hr) were recorded and measured as the baseline (before starting therapy) and then again after four weeks. The data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).

Results

With four weeks of treatment, both group A and B showed statistically significant reduction in serum hs-CRP levels (p<0.0001). In group A, there was a mean 51% decrease in hs-CRP levels, and in group B, a 35% reduction was seen. Group A showed markedly low hs-CRP levels than group B after four weeks of therapy (18.46 ± 6.35 vs. 24.67 ± 8.45) (p<0.0001). Group A showed mean 16% decrease in ESR levels as compared to 14% decrease in group B. Group A showed lower ESR levels than group B after four weeks of therapy (19.59 ± 11.83 vs. 20.52 ± 12.13) (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

Rosuvastatin showed a 50% decrease and atorvastatin showed a 35% reduction in serum hs-CRP levels in statin-naive ACS patients. Rosuvastatin has a more effective role in reducing micro-inflammation in ACS patients.

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.

Effect of high-dose rosuvastatin loading before percutaneous coronary intervention in Chinese patients with acute coronary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an important disease threatening human life and health. Many studies have shown that the loading dose of atorvastatin can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with ACS, and reduce the mortality. However, this conclusion is not consistent. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of high-dose rosuvastatin loading before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in Chinese patients with ACS using a meta-analysis based on a systematic review of published articles.

Methods

We systematically reviewed published studies, evaluating the effect of high-dose rosuvastatin loading before percutaneous coronary intervention in Chinese patients with ACS. The retrieval time is limited from inception to 2 November 2016, and the retrieved databases included PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, CNKI, the VIP database and the Wang Fang database. Two researchers independently assessed the quality of the included studies and then extracted the data. Stata 11.0 was used for data analysis.

Results

In total, 11 articles, which included 802 patients, were included in our meta-analysis. Among these patients, 398 patients were in the high-dose group (20 mg/day) and 404 patients were in the conventional dose group (10 mg/day). Meta-analysis results showed that compared with the conventional dose group: 1) The loading dose of rosuvastatin can significantly reduce the hs-CRP level after PCI, including at 24 hours (SMD = -0.65, 95%CI -0.84 ~ -0.47, P = 0.000), 48 hours (SMD = -0.40, 95%CI -0.68 ~ -0.11, P = 0.006), and four weeks (SMD = -1.64, 95%CI -2.01 ~ -1.26, P = 0.000). 2) The loading dose of rosuvastatin can significantly reduce the levels of LDL-C and cTnT, including the level of LDL-C at 30 d after PCI (SMD = -0.89, 95%CI -1.10 ~ -0.69, P = 0.000), and the level of cTnT at 24 h after PCI (SMD = -1.93, 95%CI -2.28 ~ -1.59, P = 0.000), and increase the level of HDL-C at 48 h after PCI (SMD = 0.61, 95%CI 0.34 ~ 0.88, P = 0.000). 3) The loading dose of rosuvastatin can significantly reduce the levels of TG and TC, including the level of TG at 30 d after PCI (SMD = -0.94, 95%CI -1.17 ~ -0.71, P = 0.000), the level of TC at 48 h after PCI (SMD = -0.35, 95%CI -0.68 ~ -0.01, P = 0.043), and the level of TC at 30 d after PCI (SMD = -0.77, 95%CI -0.98 ~ -0.56, P = 0.000).

Conclusions

Our systematic review and meta-analysis showed that, compared with the conventional dose, the loading dose of rosuvastatin was more beneficial to patients with ACS in China and is suitable for clinical application. Due to the limitations of the quality and quantity of included articles, this conclusion still needs to be confirmed by multicenter clinical trials.

Impact of left ventricular ejection fraction and medication adherence on major adverse cardiac events during the first year after successful primary percutaneous coronary interventions

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To identify the impact of preprocedural left ventricular ejection fraction and adherence to prescribed medication on major adverse cardiac events in patients with a successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND

Although advances in percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary artery disease have considerably reduced poor outcomes such as major adverse cardiac events, many patients still experience adverse outcomes after a percutaneous coronary intervention. Thus, in patients with percutaneous coronary intervention, it is extremely important to identify the predictors for major adverse cardiac events.

DESIGN

A retrospective and cross-sectional design.

METHODS

Three hundred and nineteen patients who underwent successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention participated in this study. Participants were assessed for major adverse cardiac events after percutaneous coronary intervention for the first year. Preprocedural left ventricular ejection fraction was measured by echocardiogram. Medication adherence was used with the validated Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 items at the first year after the successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

RESULTS

Of the 319 patients, 102 had major adverse cardiac events after the successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention. On the basis of Cox regression, after adjusting for patient characteristics, lower baseline left ventricular ejection fraction and medication nonadherence and were statistically significant and independent predictors of major adverse cardiac events.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that major adverse cardiac events after successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention are associated with low left ventricular ejection fraction at baseline and medication nonadherence after discharge. Therefore, healthcare providers should consider multidimensional approaches to improve low left ventricular ejection fraction and medication adherence.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

The findings suggest that the classification of high-risk patients after percutaneous coronary intervention need to be based on level of preprocedural left ventricular ejection fraction. Follow-up of these patients may include educational interventions to enhance medication adherence, to decrease the prevalence of major adverse cardiac events.

Effect of High-Dose Statin Pretreatment on the Incidence of Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Grading the Evidence Through a Cumulative Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have showed that high-dose statin pretreatment could reduce the incidence of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, previous analyses have not performed reliable grading of evidence.

HYPOTHESIS

In previous analyses, it supposed that the high-dose statin pretreatment was effective in reduction of the rate of PMI. In this analysis, we evaluated the effect of high-dose statin pretreatment on the reduction of rate of PMI based on a cumulative meta-analysis and grading of evidence.

METHODS

We assembled the relevant published randomized controlled trials that compared the efficacy of high-dose statin pretreatment prior to PCI. We evaluated the risk of PMI by a cumulative meta-analysis, with subgroups stratified by clinical classifications and different statin histories, and we conducted explicit grading of evidence.

RESULTS

High-dose statin pretreatment caused a 55% reduction in PMI through this cumulative meta-analysis of 23 RCTs (odds ratio [OR]: 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.37-0.54). The effect of high-dose statin pretreatment was significant for the stable angina subgroup (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.32-0.56), ACS subgroup (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.29-0.64), and the mixed presentation subgroup (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.36-0.70). In different statin therapy histories, high-dose statin pretreatment reduced incidence of PMI 55% in the statin-naive subgroup (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.36-0.56) and 54% in the low-dose statin subgroup (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.32-0.66). The GRADE system indicated that the overall evidence quality was moderate. This finding may strengthen the confidence in any recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose statin pretreatment can reduce the rate of PMI, irrespective of either the clinical presentation or previous statin-treatment history. Importantly, the overall GRADE evidence quality was moderate.

Rosuvastatin may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndromes receiving percutaneous coronary intervention by suppressing miR-155/SHIP-1 signaling pathway

PURPOSE

The beneficial effect of rosuvastatin against percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) related procedural myocardial injury has been determined mostly in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, the detailed therapeutic mechanism has not been well studied.

METHODS

Patients with ACS receiving PCI (n = 159) were randomized to control group (placebo treatment) or to rosuvastatin group (20 mg 12 h before PCI, and a further 20 mg 2 h preprocedure dose). Levels of INF-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, miR-155/SHIP-1, and CD4(+)FoxP3(+)Treg in peripheral blood were detected before PCI and 24 h after PCI. Clinical data of these patients were also collected in this prospective study.

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, rosuvastatin treatment significantly reduced the incidence of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) and levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) associated with decreased relative expression of serum miR-155, levels of inflammatory cytokines (INF-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6), increased SHIP-1 expression and CD4(+)FoxP3(+)Treg percentage values (P < 0.05). In addition, patients with rosuvastatin pretreatment also reduced incidence of 30 days major adverse cardiac events (MACE) compared to the patients with placebo treatment (16 patients vs. 28 patients, P = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that high loading dose rosuvastatin pretreatment may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events and levels of inflammatory markers in patients with ACS receiving PCI, which may be explained at least in part, by mechanism involving suppression of miR-155/SHIP-1 signaling pathway.

Relationship between inflammation and benefits of early high-dose rosuvastatin on contrast-induced nephropathy in patients with acute coronary syndrome: the pathophysiological link in the PRATO-ACS study (Protective Effect of Rosuvastatin and Antiplatelet Therapy on Contrast-Induced Nephropathy and Myocardial Damage in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Coronary Intervention)

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to investigate whether the beneficial impact of high-dose rosuvastatin against contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients varied in relation to baseline high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels.

BACKGROUND

High-dose rosuvastatin administered on admission has been shown to prevent CI-AKI and improve short- and mid-term clinical outcome in ACS patients.

METHODS

All 504 statin-naïve ACS patients enrolled in the PRATO-ACS (Protective Effect of Rosuvastatin and Antiplatelet Therapy on Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury and Myocardial Damage in ACS Patients) study were stratified into baseline hs-CRP tertiles: <2.7 mg/l, ≥2.7 to <7.5 mg/l, and ≥7.5 mg/l. The primary endpoint was CI-AKI occurrence (creatinine ≥0.5 mg/dl or ≥25% above baseline within 72 h). Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the relationship between hs-CRP levels and effects of rosuvastatin.

RESULTS

Patients with higher baseline hs-CRP values presented a significantly higher incidence of CI-AKI (5.4%, 8.7%, and 18.3% in the first, second, and third tertiles, respectively; p = 0.0001). The beneficial effect of rosuvastatin was markedly significant in the third hs-CRP tertile (odds ratio: 0.20; 95% confidence interval: 0.07 to 0.54; p = 0.002). Statin-treated patients in the third tertile presented a significantly lower rate of adverse events at 30 days (7.2% vs. 17.4%, p = 0.043) with a trend toward better outcome at 6 months (6.02% vs. 13.04%, p = 0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose rosuvastatin administered on admission appears to exert more effective kidney protection in ACS subjects with higher baseline hs-CRP levels resulting in better short- and mid-term clinical outcome. (Protective Effect of Rosuvastatin and Antiplatelet Therapy on Contrast-Induced Nephropathy and Myocardial Damage in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Undergoing Coronary Intervention [PRATO-ACS]; NCT01185938).

Efficacy of high-dose rosuvastatin preloading in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis of fourteen randomized controlled trials

Background

Numerous studies have evidenced that statins can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease. However, the effects of high-dose rosuvastatin (RSV) preloading in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are controversial.

Objective

We attempted to identify and quantify the potential cardioprotective benefits of high-dose RSV preloading on final thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and peri-procedural myocardial injury (PMI) in patients undergoing PCI.

Methods

Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and ISI Web of Science databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to June 2015. We assessed the incidence of MACE and PMI in all enrolled patients for subgroups stratified by clinical presentation and previous statin therapy during the follow-up period.

Results

Fourteen trials with 3368 individuals were included in our meta-analysis. High-dose RSV preloading before PCI lead to a 58 % reduction in MACE (odds ratio [OR] = 0.42, 95 % confidence intervals [CI]: 0.29-0.61, P < 0.00001) and a 60 % reduction in PMI (OR = 0.40, 95 % CI: 0.25–0.63, P < 0.0001). This procedure also improved the final TIMI flow grade in patients undergoing PCI (OR = 1.61, 95 % CI: 1.09–2.38, P = 0.02). The benefits on MACE were significant for both stable angina patients (OR = 0.42, 95 % CI: 0.21-0.87, P = 0.02) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients (OR = 0.42, 95 % CI: 0.27-0.65, P < 0.0001); and for both statin naïve patients (OR = 0.42, 95 % CI: 0.28-0.64, P < 0.0001) and previous statin therapy patients (OR = 0.28, 95 % CI: 0.10-0.73, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

High-dose RSV preloading can significantly improve myocardial perfusion and reduce both MACE and PMI in patients undergoing PCI. The cardioprotective benefits of RSV preloading were significant in not only stable angina and ACS patients but also statin naïve and previous statin therapy patients. The cardioprotective benefits of RSV preloading in the follow-up period mainly resulted from a reduction in spontaneous MI and TVR, especially for ACS and statin naïve patients.

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on statins for the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients with and without acute coronary syndromes

OBJECTIVES

We assessed whether short-term, pre-procedural, intensive statin treatment may reduce contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) incidence in patients with and without acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing coronary angiography (CA) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

BACKGROUND

Statins may exert renal-protective effects through their pleiotropic properties. However, there have been conflicting reports on the CI-AKI preventive effect of pre-procedural statin administration.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials published between January 1st, 2003 and February 28th, 2014 comparing the preventive effects against CI-AKI of pre-procedural statins vs. control (lower statin dose, no statin, or placebo) in patients undergoing CA/PCI were included.

RESULTS

Data were combined from 9 clinical trials enrolling 5212 patients (age 65 ± 5 years, 63% males). Pooled analysis showed that intensive, short-term statin pre-treatment significantly reduced the risk of CI-AKI as compared to control (relative risk [RR] 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.39 to 0.64; P<0.001). Pre-specified subgroup analysis showed that intensive statin pre-treatment significantly reduced CI-AKI risk in patients with ACS (RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.55; P<0.0001), with only a non-significant positive trend in patients without ACS (RR 0.65; 95% CI 0.41 to 1.03; P=0.07). No evidence of publication bias was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Short-term, pre-procedural, intensive statin treatment significantly reduced CI-AKI incidence in ACS patients, and may contribute to the overall clinical benefit associated with the early use of these drugs in this clinical setting. Its role in non-ACS patients warrants further investigation.

High-dose statin pretreatment decreases periprocedural myocardial infarction and cardiovascular events in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention: a meta-analysis of twenty-four randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that high-dose statin pretreatment may reduce the risk of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) for certain patients; however, previous analyses have not considered patients with a history of statin maintenance treatment. In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we reevaluated the efficacy of short-term high-dose statin pretreatment to prevent PMI and MACE in an expanded set of patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed/Medline database for RCTs that compared high-dose statin pretreatment with no statin or low-dose statin pretreatment as a prevention of PMI and MACE. We evaluated the incidence of PMI and MACE, including death, spontaneous myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization at the longest follow-up for each study for subgroups stratified by disease classification and prior low-dose statin treatment.

RESULTS

Twenty-four RCTs with a total of 5,526 patients were identified. High-dose statin pretreatment was associated with 59% relative reduction in PMI (odds ratio [OR]: 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34-0.49; P<0.00001) and 39% relative reduction in MACE (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.45-0.83; P = 0.002). The benefit of high-dose statin pretreatment on MACE was significant for statin-naive patients (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.50-0.95; P = 0.02) and prior low dose statin-treated patients (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.12-0.65; P = 0.003); and for patients with acute coronary syndrome (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.34-0.79; P = 0.003), but not for patients with stable angina (OR: 0.71; 95% CI 0.45-1.10; P = 0.12). Long-term effects on survival were less obvious.

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose statin pretreatment can result in a significant reduction in PMI and MACE for patients undergoing elective PCI. The positive effect of high-dose statin pretreatment on PMI and MACE is significant for statin-naïve patients and patients with prior treatment. The positive effect of high-dose statin pretreatment on MACE is significant for patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Early high-dose rosuvastatin and cardioprotection in the protective effect of rosuvastatin and antiplatelet therapy on contrast-induced acute kidney injury and myocardial damage in patients with acute coronary syndrome (PRATO-ACS) study

BACKGROUND

There is a strong correlation between adverse clinical events and peak values of myocardial necrosis markers in non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome patients. In this clinical setting, high-dose statin treatment exerts acute beneficial effects against renal and myocardial damage. The aim of this report was to evaluate if, on admission, high-dose rosuvastatin can exert cardioprotective effects when administered in addition to high-dose clopidogrel.

METHODS

In the PRATO-ACS trial, 504 consecutive statin-naïve non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome patients scheduled for early invasive strategy and pretreated with high-dose clopidogrel were randomly assigned to rosuvastatin (40 mg on admission followed by 20 mg/d; statin group, n = 252) or no statin treatment (control group, n = 252). Serial myocardial biomarker samples were collected before and after angiography and/or percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary end point was the peak level of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) during the index event.

RESULTS

Statin-treated patients presented median cTnI peak values similar to controls (3.9 [0.6-12.8] vs 3.5 [1.2-11.9] ng/mL, respectively; P = .60]; no differences were found between the 2 groups in cTnI and creatine kinase-MB values at any time point, in either preangiography and postangiography peak values or their cumulative release. In patients submitted to percutaneous coronary intervention, periprocedural myocardial infarction occurred in 8 (4.7%) of 171 statin-treated and 7 (4.3%) of 162 control patients (P = .87).

CONCLUSION

In the PRATO-ACS trial, early high-dose rosuvastatin did not show cardioprotective effects when administered in addition to high-dose clopidogrel.

Effect of High Dose Rosuvastatin Loading before Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Contrast-Induced Nephropathy

Background and Objectives

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This observational, non-randomized study evaluated the effect of rosuvastatin loading before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on the incidence of CIN in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Subjects and Methods

A total of 824 patients who underwent PCI for ACS were studied (408 patients in the statin group=40 mg rosuvastatin loading before PCI; 416 patients of control group=no statin pretreatment). Serum creatinine concentrations were measured before and 24 and 48 hours after PCI. The primary endpoint was development of CIN defined as an increase in serum creatinine concentration of ≥0.5 mg/dL or ≥25% above baseline within 72 hours after PCI.

Results

The incidence of CIN was significantly lower in the statin group than that in the control group (18.8% vs. 13.5%, p=0.040). The maximum percent changes in serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate in the statin group within 48 hours were significantly lower than those in the control group (5.84±22.59% vs. 2.43±24.49%, p=0.038; -11.44±14.00 vs. -9.51±13.89, p=0.048, respectively). The effect of rosuvastatin on preventing CIN was greater in the subgroups of patients with diabetes, high-dose contrast medium, multivessel stents, high baseline C-reactive protein, and myocardial infarction. A multivariate analysis revealed that rosuvastatin loading was independently associated with a decreased risk for CIN (odds ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.95, p=0.026).

Conclusion

High-dose rosuvastatin loading before PCI was associated with a significantly lower incidence of CIN in patients with ACS.

Pharmacologic Prophylaxis for Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

In the effort to prevent contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI), several pharmacologic agents have been tested for their single or combined nephroprotective properties. To date, however, no drug has been officially approved for this aim. This article focuses on the three agents that have been most extensively studied: statins, N-acetylcysteine, and ascorbic acid. Particular attention is paid to the impact of these drugs on the CI-AKI prevention and improved prognosis.

Update on the efficacy of statin treatment in acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND

The natural history of atherosclerosis might involve coronary plaque rupture/erosion, thrombus formation and vessel lumen occlusion, clinically recognized as acute coronary syndrome (ACS). International guidelines strongly recommend early statin administration in patients admitted for ACS. In addition to lowering circulating levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), statin treatment was shown to promote plaque stabilization or regression in several ways, including reduction in necrotic lipid core, anti-inflammatory effects and improvement in endothelial function. The aim of this review is to summarize clinical evidence on the role of statins in secondary prevention of ACS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This narrative review is based on the material found on medline and pubmed up to August 2013. We looked for the terms 'statin, acute coronary syndromes' in combination with 'atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction, pathophysiology'.

RESULTS

This review article emphasizes the relevance of the timing of statin administration to improve the outcomes after ACS. Early and continuous statin administration has emerged as key features to prevent adverse events, especially in patients admitted for ACS undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Clinical trials matching the improved clinical outcome with the imaging of atherosclerotic plaque stabilization/regression, further supporting the effectiveness of statin therapy. However, the achievement of these goals requires high dose of statins, thus increasing the risk of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Although clinical trials and meta-analyses have provided conflicting results, it is likely that in clinical practice, the rate of adverse events is higher, so that many concerns still remain about a statin high-dose approach in ACS patients.

Effect of High Dose Rosuvastatin Loading before Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention on Infarct Size in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background and Objectives

High dose rosuvastatin loading before percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) reduces the myocardial damage and the incidence of adverse cardiac events in patients with stable angina and acute coronary syndrome. However, no studies are present yet about rosuvastatin loading in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in a primary PCI setting.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 475 patients who underwent primary PCI for STEMI were studied. The study population was divided into two groups with 208 patients in the statin group=40 mg rosuvastatin loading before primary PCI and 267 patients in the control group=no statin pretreatment. At median 3 days after PCI a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was performed with technetium 99m tetrofosmin For this study were compared infarct size, corrected Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) frame count and the myocardial blush grade (MBG) between the both groups.

Results

Baseline clinical and procedural characteristics were similar between the groups. Infarct size, as assessed by SPECT, was significantly smaller (19.0±15.9% vs. 22.9±16.5%, p=0.009) in the statin group than in the control group. Patients of the statin group showed a lower corrected TIMI frame count (28.2±19.3 vs. 32.6±21.4, p=0.020), and higher MBG (2.49±0.76 vs. 2.23±0.96, p=0.001) than the patients of the control group. The multivariate analysis revealed that rosuvastatin loading {odds ratio (OR) 0.61}, pain to balloon time (OR 2.05), anterior myocardial infarction (OR 3.89) and final the MBG (OR 2.93) were independent predictors of a large infarct size.

Conclusion

A high dose rosuvastatin loading before the primary PCI reduced the infarct size by microvascular myocardial perfusion improvement.

Effect of rosuvastatin therapy on troponin I release following percutaneous coronary intervention in nonemergency patients (from the TIP 3 study)

Several randomized studies have suggested that pretreatment with statins may reduce a periprocedural biomarker release in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI); however, results remain controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 1-day rosuvastatin therapy on troponin I release in patients who underwent nonemergency PCI. A total of 445 patients with angina pectoris were randomly assigned to therapy with rosuvastatin (20 mg 12 hours before coronary angiography + 20 mg immediately before PCI; rosuvastatin group, 220 patients) or PCI without statin therapy (control group, 225 patients). In patients taking statins (73%), rosuvastatin was added to their long-term statin therapy. The primary end point was the incidence of TnI microleak defined as TnI elevation >1.5× upper limit of normal, and the secondary end point was the incidence of post-PCI TnI elevation >3× upper limit of normal. The incidence of primary and secondary end point in the rosuvastatin versus control group was 13.6% versus 12% (p = 0.61) and 8.2% versus 7.1% (p = 0.67), respectively. Patients with C-reactive protein ≥2.0 mg/L had a decreased release of post-PCI TnI in the rosuvastatin group (0.032 [0.010 to 0.143] μg/L vs 0.056 [0.018 to 0.241] μg/L; p = 0.04). In conclusion, 1-day rosuvastatin therapy (20 mg twice a day) did not influence post-PCI TnI release in patients with angina. However, these results suggest that, in patients with an advanced inflammatory status, rosuvastatin loading therapy might have a cardioprotective effect.

Preloading with atorvastatin before percutaneous coronary intervention in statin-naïve Asian patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes: A randomized study

BACKGROUND

Data on atorvastatin pretreatment in Asian patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are limited. However, there have been studies in other populations in Asia which demonstrated that statins can reduce the risk of periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Statin-naïve patients with non-ST-segment-elevation (NSTE)-ACS scheduled for PCI were randomized to usual care or atorvastatin preloading groups. All patients received usual care including atorvastatin 40 mg/day. The atorvastatin group received atorvastatin 80 mg 12 h and 40 mg 2 h pre-PCI. Of 499 patients randomized, 247 were assigned to atorvastatin preloading. Following coronary angiography, 335 patients (163 atorvastatin) received PCI. During the 30 days post-PCI, major adverse cardiac events (death, MI, and target vessel revascularization) occurred in 24 (15%) atorvastatin and 27 (16%) usual care patients (p=NS). Post hoc analyses showed that at 8 h post-PCI, 3.82% of the atorvastatin group and 7.22% of the usual care group had a post-procedural creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) above 3 times the upper limit of normal (p=0.27) and at 24 h post-PCI, the rate was 7.64% versus 9.47% (p=1.0). Safety profile suggests that high-dose atorvastatin (40 mg) for up to 1 month, in conjunction with usual care, is relatively safe and well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

This study of statin-naïve Korean and Chinese patients with NSTE-ACS who received additional atorvastatin loading doses of 80 mg at 12 h, and 40 mg at 2 h, pre-PCI did not find a beneficial effect compared with usual post-PCI atorvastatin 40 mg/day treatment. Atorvastatin was found to be well tolerated in Asian patients with NSTE-ACS undergoing PCI. Results of the current study merit further investigation of the early use of statins in patients with NSTE-ACS to delineate patient subgroups who may benefit from this therapy.

Statin treatment before percutaneous cononary intervention

Treatment with 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) improves short-and-long term prognosis in high-risk patients with stable coronary artery disease and in those with acute coronary syndrome and their use is strongly recommended for secondary prevention. Moreover, recent data suggest that statin pre-treatment is associated with a better short- and long-term outcome in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Current guidelines for coronary revascularization recommend the use of high-dose of statins before percutaneous coronary intervention to reduce the risk of periprocedural myocardial infarction in statin naïve patients (class IIa A) and in those on chronic statin therapy (class IIa B). However, the beneficial clinical effects elicited by statins in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty may arise not only from a cardiac protection against periprocedural myocardial injury but also from a renal protection against acute kidney injury caused by iodinated contrast media. Actually, statins exert multiple non-lipid lowering (pleiotropic) effects, including improved endothelial function, reduced inflammatory and immuno-modulatory processes, oxidative stress and platelet adhesion, that may contribute to both cardio- and nephro-protection even in the short-term.

Current Perspectives on rosuvastatin

Rosuvastatin is one of the most potent statins available for reducing circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, which enables more high-risk patients to achieve their lipid goals. Its favorable balance of effects on atherogenic and protective lipoproteins and its pleiotropic effects, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and improvement in endothelial dysfunction, are associated with slowing of progression of atherosclerosis within the artery wall and have been translated into clinical benefits for cardiovascular outcomes. This review provides an update on the safety and the efficacy of rosuvastatin in recent large clinical trials. It appears that rosuvastatin has a beneficial effect on the progression of atherosclerosis across the clinical dosage range of 2.5–40 mg. It reduced cardiovascular events in relatively low-risk subjects with elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and normal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. As with other statins, rosuvastatin did not show overall benefit in terms of survival in patients with heart failure, but certain clinical or biochemical markers reflecting underlying disease characteristics may help to identify subgroups of patients that benefit from statin therapy. In patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing chronic hemodialysis, rosuvastatin had no effect on reducing cardiovascular events. Although there is a slightly increased risk of incident diabetes with this class of agents, the absolute benefits of statin therapy on cardiovascular events overweigh the risk in patients with moderate or high cardiovascular risk or with documented cardiovascular disease. As with other statins, rosuvastatin is an appropriate therapy in addition to antihypertensive treatment to reduce cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients.

Effect of a single high loading dose of rosuvastatin on percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndromes

OBJECTIVES

A high loading dose of atorvastatin has been confirmed to reduce postprocedural events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In this study, we sought to investigate the protective effects of rosuvastatin in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing PCI and to determine the effect of rosuvastatin pretreatment on the postprocedural levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1).

METHODS

A total of 125 patients with non-ST-segment elevation ACS were randomized to pretreatment with rosuvastatin (20 mg 2-4 hours before PCI [n = 62]) or placebo (n = 63). All the patients received subsequent long-term rosuvastatin treatment (10 mg/d). The main end point of the trial was the 30-day incidence of major adverse cardiac events (death, myocardial infarction, or unplanned revascularization). Plasma levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and MCP-1 were detected before PCI and 6 hours, 24 hours, and 3 days after PCI.

RESULTS

The primary end point occurred in 8.1% of the patients in the rosuvastatin arm and 22.2% in the placebo arm (P < .01); this difference was entirely attributed to a reduced incidence of myocardial infarction (8.1% vs 22.2%; P < .01). The postprocedural elevation in creatine kinase-MB and troponin I was also significantly lower in the rosuvastatin group at 6 hours, 24 hours, and 3 days. Plasma levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, and MCP-1 increased significantly after PCI in both the rosuvastatin and control groups; however, the postprocedural elevations in hs-CRP and IL-6 levels were significantly lower in the rosuvastatin group than the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

A single, high dose (20 mg) of rosuvastatin prior to PCI reduces postprocedural myocardial injury in patients with ACS, with a concomitant attenuation of the postprocedural increase in hs-CRP and IL-6 levels.

Rosuvastatin-induced high-density lipoprotein changes in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Clinical significance of statin-induced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) changes is not well known. We investigated the factors affecting rosuvastatin-induced HDL-C changes and their correlation with 12-month major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed 556 consecutive NSTE-ACS patients who underwent PCI and received rosuvastatin 10mg before discharge. We measured serum lipids, including total cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and HDL-C at baseline and at 4 weeks. The relationship between on-treatment lipid levels, baseline lipid levels, and 12-month MACE was assessed.

RESULTS

Rosuvastatin treatment increased the mean HDL-C concentration by 1.1 ± 9.8 mg/dl (4.3 ± 23.0%). HDL-C was increased in 312 patients (56.1%), but decreased in 244 patients (43.9%) after statin treatment. Changes in HDL-C during first month were inversely correlated with baseline HDL-C levels (r=-0.379, p<0.001). The patients with increased HDL-C showed higher baseline TG levels but lower on-treatment TG levels. Changes in TG were correlated with changes in HDL-C (r=-0.212, p<0.001). The incidence of 12-month MACE according to changes in HDL-C was similar between the two groups (11.9% vs. 12.3%, p=0.875). Multivariate analysis revealed that baseline HDL-C level was the only significant predictor of rosuvastatin-induced HDL-C changes.

CONCLUSION

Baseline HDL-C concentration was an independent predictor of rosuvastatin-induced HDL-C changes. Statin-induced HDL-C changes did not predict 12-month MACE in patients with NSTE-ACS.

Effect of statins therapy prior to percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Many previous studies have demonstrated that statins pre-treatment before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduced myocardial infarction (MI) in statin-naive patients with both stable angina and acute coronary syndrome. However, clinical benefit of statins is controversial as some studies have shown different results.

METHODS

A search of MEDLINE, EMBASE using the term statins AND PCI, statins AND percutaneous coronary intervention. The review was limited to articles published in English between January 1990 and July 2011.

RESULTS

Most trials noted that statins pretreatment before PCI in patients are associated with risk reduction of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The mechanisms underlying this protective action of statins possibly attribute to the pleiotropic effects. However, controversial results were also reported in some trials that early use of statins before PCI did not influence occurrence of PMI or long-term clinical outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Statins therapy among PCI patients seems to be associated with a significant mortality advantage at early and long-term follow-up. However, currently early statins use before intervention still cannot serve as a routine strategy of treatment. Further large-scale randomized studies are critically required to demonstrate the importance of early treatment with statins in pre-PCI.

Pleiotropic effects of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors

The HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) are used extensively in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. They have also demonstrated a benefit in a variety of other disease processes. These secondary actions are known as pleiotropic effects. Our paper serves as a focused and updated discussion on the pleiotropy of statins and emphasizes the importance of randomized placebo-controlled trials to further elucidate this interesting phenomenon.