Therapeutic lipid target achievements among high and highest risk patients: results from the CEPHEUS study in the Arabian Gulf

Physicians' perceptions and beliefs on the current dyslipidemia management practices within Saudi Arabia

Background

Limited reports addressing physicians' understanding of the various low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets/statin intensity required for treating the various dyslipidemia patient populations in Saudi Arabia are available. Therefore, the current study assessed the perceptions and beliefs of practicing clinicians in Saudi Arabia regarding the current practice for management of dyslipidemia and potential perceived barriers to adherence to lipid guidelines encountered in their regular clinical practice. Knowledge of different clinical practices and beliefs could have a positive impact on improving the quality of future care provided by physicians.

Methods

A survey questionnaire was designed to assess physicians' familiarity, usage, and adherence to seven different international guidelines and used to evaluate the management of dyslipidemia, practice of patient treatment, and perceived obstacles to adhering to lipid guidelines related to specific patients, doctors, and practice issues.

Results

A total of 467 physicians were recruited for the study: (1) 57.2% were primary care physicians (PCPs) and (2) 42.8% were specialists. About 90.8% of them followed lipid guidelines of which the most common set were based on those by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association. The most utilized risk assessment tool was the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk calculator. About 60% of the physicians set an LDL-C target for their patients based on a combination of patients' risk factors and lipid profiles. In all, 42.1% of the physicians chose not to change existing therapy among patients with dyslipidemia to attain a non-high-density lipoprotein goal with controlled LDL-C level. Atorvastatin accounted for the greatest percentage of primary and secondary prevention choices (71.9% and 69.6%, respectively). Rosuvastatin was mostly preferred by physicians for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. About two-thirds of the physicians (77.9%) prescribed statins to diabetic patients aged 40-75 years. Statin intolerance was encountered by 62.9% of the physicians in ≤ 10% of patients by 62.9%. Therapeutic strategies included switching to an alternative statin (40.1%) followed by reducing the statin dose (35.3%). Ezetimibe was prescribed by most physicians (77.9%) as an add-on to statin if the LDL-C target was not achieved. Fibrate was most preferred by physicians (62.7%) for hypertriglyceremia treatment followed by statins (28.7% of the physicians). Sixty-six percent reported not using proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 serine protease inhibitors in their clinical practice due to unavailability at their institute (51.8%), high costs (26.3%), and/or lack of knowledge (20.6%). Perceived barriers to guideline adherence identified by physicians were lack of familiarity and knowledge of the guidelines, patient non-adherence, medication costs, and lack of timely follow-up appointments and educational tools. Multiple similarities and differences were observed after comparisons were made between specialists and PCPs in terms of guideline preference, clinical practice, and perceived barriers.

Conclusion

Different perceptions and attitudes among physicians in Saudi Arabia were found due to variable recommendations by international lipid guidelines. Perceived barriers that included the patient, physician, and practice were identified by physicians at multiple levels. Multiple challenges and different action gaps were observed when comparing specialists to PCPs. It is recommended that standardized practices be followed by clinicians in Saudi Arabia, and actions to address the outlined barriers are essential for optimizing health outcomes and ASCVD prevention.

Multizonal observational study conducted by clinical practitioners on evolocumab use in subjects with hyperlipidemia in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait: Results from the ZERBINI study

OBJECTIVES

Dyslipidemia is a prevalent condition with significant morbidity and mortality across the world, including in the Arabian Gulf. The present study aimed to describe the characteristics of patients receiving evolocumab in clinical practice.

METHODS

ZERBINI was a multi-country, observational, retrospective/prospective study of subjects receiving evolocumab as part of routine clinical management of their hyperlipidemia. This regional publication reports on adult participants from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait who have had ≥1 dose of evolocumab before enrollment and ≤6 months' prior exposure to evolocumab. Patient characteristics and treatment persistence data were collected in addition to baseline and follow-up data up to 12 months post-evolocumab initiation.

RESULTS

Overall, 225 patients were included from two sites, Saudi Arabia (N = 155) and Kuwait (N = 70). Mean age was comparable across sites and most patients had baseline coronary artery disease and/or hypertension. Baseline LDL-C levels (mean ± SD 3.6 ± 1.4 mmol/L in Saudi Arabia, 3.1 ± 1.4 mmol/L in Kuwait) were reduced by approximately 57%-62% in the first 6 months after evolocumab initiation (1.5 ± 1.2 mmol/L in Saudi Arabia [n = 63], 1.2 ± 0.8 mmol/L in Kuwait [n = 28]). This decrease was maintained over the 12-month follow-up period. Most patients achieved ACC 2018 LDL-C goals (<1.8 mmol/L; 74.6% in Saudi Arabia, 93.1% in Kuwait) and ESC 2019 LDL-C goals (<1.4 mmol/L; 66.7% in Saudi Arabia, 75.9% in Kuwait) in the first 6 months after evolocumab initiation. Medication persistence with evolocumab was high (up to 90.7%). Evolocumab had a favorable safety profile and no treatment-emergent adverse events were observed at either site.

CONCLUSION

Evolocumab is an effective lipid-lowering treatment in local populations. LDL-C goal achievement is increased when evolocumab is added to background lipid-lowering therapy with high tolerability and persistence. Long-term follow-up and large-scale data are needed to further support these observations.

Association of baseline as well as change in lipid levels with the risk of cardiovascular diseases and all-cause deaths

High baseline atherogenic lipid level has been an established risk factor for the risk of cardiovascular events. Evidence concerning the role of lipid changes in cardiovascular and death risks are inconclusive. A cohort study was conducted based on the Taiwanese Survey on Hypertension, Hyperglycemia, and Hyperlipidemia (n = 4072, mean 44.8 years, 53.5% women) assessing lipid levels of the participants repeatedly measured in 2002 and 2007. Combined baseline and changes in lipid levels were classified into four groups-stable or decreasing lipid changes and increasing lipid changes with low- and high-risk baseline lipid levels. Developing cardiovascular events (n = 225) and all-cause deaths (n = 345) were ascertained during a median follow-up of 13.3 years. Participants with increasing and higher total cholesterol level were more likely to develop cardiovascular risks. Similar patterns for cardiovascular events were observed across other lipid profile changes. However, participants with increasing total cholesterol, LDL-C, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels were more likely to be at a lower risk for all-cause deaths. Baseline and changes in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C levels were positively associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases, whereas baseline and changes in total cholesterol and LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels were inversely associated with all-cause deaths.

Lipid Control Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: One Year Follow-Up of a Middle-Eastern Cohort

Background:

Data on patient characteristics and provider practices in the management of lipids per the new guidelines in specific secondary prevention patients in the Middle East is limited.

Objective:

To explore patient characteristics and lipid management practices according to the new cholesterol guidelines in secondary prevention patients, up to one year following discharge for coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG).

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of patients discharged post CABG between February 2017 and February 2018 at a quaternary care centre in the Middle East. Patients were characterized by baseline demographics, comorbidities, and use of lipid lowering medications.

Results:

189 patients were included in the analysis. Most were diabetic (70.9%) and classified as very high risk per the ACC/AHA guidelines (84.1%) and as extremely high risk per the AACE guidelines (85.2%). Most patients (93.1%) were discharged on high intensity statin. About one third (28.6%) were never seen or only followed once within the first 2 weeks post discharge. Of those who continued to follow up beyond 3 months and within 1 year of discharge (44.4%), about half (51.2%) had follow-up lipid panels performed. Patients who followed up and were seen by a cardiologist were five times more likely to have lipid panels ordered than those seen solely by a CT surgeon. Of those with follow-up lipid panels beyond 3 months: 59.3% achieved LDL goal of <70 mg/dL and 29% achieved LDL <55 mg/dL based on their respective goals.

Conclusions:

Most patients undergoing CABG in a quaternary care centre in the Middle East are high risk ASCVD. Nonetheless, lipid goals are not commonly achieved nor routinely monitored. Providers will need to transition from the previous risk stratification and statin-only focused approach to adopt the most recent guidelines.

Glycemic and lipids control in patients with diabetes and cardiovascular or renal diseases across all the government health sectors in the Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The guidelines suggest setting the glycemic and lipid targets according to the stage of the disease and other co -existing complications in the patients with diabetes.

AIMS

We aimed to evaluate the HbA1c and lipids level in patients with high risk diabetes from 2012-2016, attending different level of care in Dubai health authority.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of the electronic medical records of all patients who attended the Dubai Health authority between 2012-2016. All patients with an ICD code of any type of diabetes in addition to cardiovascular or renal diseases were. Patients were categorized based on their HbA1c into control of<7.5, 7.5 - 8, and >8%. While lipids were categorized as f LDL < 70 mg/dl, and the Non-HDL <100 mg/dl.

RESULTS

Out of total number of 26647 patients diagnosed with diabetes, 2015 patients did fit the criteria of this study. The desired mean of HbA1c of <7.5% achieved by 21.76% and 28.94% in T1DM and T2DM, respectively. The LDL of < 70 mg/dl was achieved by 27.8% of the patients.

CONCLUSION

In patients with diabetes and multiple complications, the glycemic and lipids control is suboptimal. However, the pattern showed numerical improvement over the years.

Habitual Sleep Deprivation is Associated with Type 2 Diabetes: A Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVES

It is suggested that a minimum of eight hours of sleep per night is needed for metabolism to work normally. The aim of the study was to determine the association of habitual sleep deprivation and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study comparing patients with T2DM with age and sex matched healthy controls. Standard sleep questionnaires (the Berlin and Epworth Sleepiness Scale) and a weekly diary were used by patients to self-report habitual sleep.

RESULTS

A total of 172 diabetics and 188 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. There was a significant difference between T2DM and healthy controls in nocturnal sleep duration (p = 0.033). There was a significant association between nocturnal sleep duration of fewer than six hours and T2DM (χ² = 14.0; p = 0.0001). There was no significant difference in daytime sleepiness and daytime naps between the T2DM and control groups (p = 0.452; p = 0.581, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A nocturnal sleep duration < 6 hours is associated with T2DM.

Consensus clinical recommendations for the management of plasma lipid disorders in the Middle East

BACKGROUND

Plasma lipid disorders are key risk factors for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and are prevalent in the Middle East, with rates increasing in recent decades. Despite this, no region-specific guidelines for managing plasma lipids exist and there is a lack of use of guidelines developed in other regions.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary panel of regional experts was convened to develop consensus clinical recommendations for the management of plasma lipids in the Middle East. The panel considered existing international guidelines and regional clinical experience to develop recommendations.

RESULTS

The panel's recommendations include plasma lipid screening, ASCVD risk calculation and treatment considerations. The panel recommend that plasma lipid levels should be measured in all at-risk patients and at regular intervals in all adults from the age of 20years. A scoring system should be used to calculate ASCVD risk that includes known lipid and non-lipid risk factors. Primary treatment targets include low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Lifestyle modifications should be first-line treatment for all patients; the first-line pharmacological treatment targeting plasma lipids in patients at moderate-to-high risk of ASCVD is statin therapy, with a number of adjunctive or second-line agents available. Guidance is also provided on the management of underlying conditions and special populations; of particular pertinence in the region are familial hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes and metabolic dyslipidaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

These consensus clinical recommendations provide practicing clinicians with comprehensive, region-specific guidance to improve the detection and management of plasma lipid disorders in patients in the Middle East.

Dyslipidaemia in the Middle East: Current status and a call for action

The increase in the cardiovascular disease (CVD)-associated mortality rate in the Middle East (ME) is among the highest in the world. The aim of this article is to review the current prevalence of dyslipidaemia and known gaps in its management in the ME region, and to propose initiatives to address the burden of dyslipidaemia. Published literature on the epidemiology of dyslipidaemia in the ME region was presented and discussed at an expert meeting that provided the basis of this review article. The high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and consanguineous marriages, in the ME region, results in a pattern of dyslipidaemia (low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high triglycerides) that is different from many other regions of the world. Early prevention and control of dyslipidaemia is of paramount importance to reduce the risk of developing CVD. Education of the public and healthcare professionals and developing preventive programs, FH registries and regional guidelines on dyslipidaemia are the keys to dyslipidaemia management in the ME region.

Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol target achievement in patients on lipid-lowering drugs and stratified by triglyceride levels in the Arabian Gulf

BACKGROUND

Atherogenic dyslipidemia is highly prevalent in the Arabian Gulf. Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) reduction has been proposed as an additional goal to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Data on non-HDL-C goal attainment in patients with high triglycerides (TGs) on lipid-lowering drugs (LLDs) in the region is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate non-HDL-C target attainment according to the National Lipid Association in patients on LLDs stratified by TG (<150 [1.69], 150-200 [1.69-2.26], >200 [2.26] mg/dL [mmol/L]) levels in the Arabian Gulf.

METHODS

Overall, 4383 patients on LLD treatment from 6 Middle Eastern countries participating in the Centralized Pan-Middle East Survey on the Undertreatment of Hypercholesterolemia study were evaluated. Patients were classified according to TG levels and ASCVD risk.

RESULTS

The overall non-HDL-C goal attainment was 41% of the subjects. Non-HDL-C goal was less likely attained in patients with high TGs (12% vs 27% vs 55%; P < .001). Very high ASCVD risk patients with high TGs attained less their non-HDL-C targets compared with those with lower TG levels (8% vs 23% vs 51%; P < .001). Similarly, high ASCVD risk patients with high TGs also failed more in attaining non-HDL-C targets compared with those with lower TGs (26% vs 42% vs 69%; P < .001). In addition, those with high TG also succeeded less in attaining LDL-C and apolipoprotein B goals (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

A large proportion of very high and high ASCVD patients on LLDs in the Arabian Gulf are not at recommended non-HDL-C targets and hence remain at a substantial residual risk.

Undertreatment of dyslipidemia: from the Arabian Gulf to the USA. Time to solve this problem!

Undertreatment of dyslipideamia is a universal problem and reduces the efficasy of hypolipidaemic drugs to reduce cardiovascular event rates. The means to face this problem are available and should be utilized to optimize dyslipidaemia control and clinical outcomes.