-
1.
Is a treat-to-target approach to lipid-lowering therapy appropriate in patients with chronic kidney disease? A prospective French cohort study.
Massy, ZA, Kolla, E, Ferrières, J, Bruckert, E, Lambert, O, Mansencal, N, Laville, M, Frimat, L, Fouque, D, Combe, C, et al
Journal of nephrology. 2021;(5):1467-1477
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whereas European guidelines recommend adjusting lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) to meet prespecified targets ('treat-to-target') for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), other guidelines do not ('fire and forget'). In a large observational prospective cohort, we sought to evaluate which strategy could be associated with better cardiovascular outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD). METHODS In CKD-REIN, patients (CKD stages 3 and 4) on LLT were categorized according to achievement of LDL-C targets for high and very high cardiovascular risk (< 2.6 and < 1.8 mmol/L, respectively) at baseline. Primary outcome was fatal/non-fatal atheromatous cardiovascular disease (CVD). Secondary outcomes were non-atheromatous CVD, atheromatous or non-atheromatous CVD, and major adverse cardiovascular events. RESULTS The population comprised 1521 patients (68 ± 12 years, 31% women, mean estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 35 mL/min/1.73 m2). Overall, 523 (34%) met their LDL-C targets at baseline. Median follow-up was 2.9 years (interquartile range 2.2-3.0). Incidence rates per 100 patient-years were 6.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.5-7.0) for atheromatous CVD, 9.2% (8.3-10.1) for non-atheromatous CVD, 15.2% (14.0-16.4) for atheromatous/non-atheromatous CVD, and 6.3% (5.5-7.1) for major adverse cardiovascular events. Corresponding rates in patients who achieved targets were 6.6%, 9.8%, 16.1%, and 6.3%, respectively. Target achievement was not associated with risk of fatal/non-fatal atheromatous CVD (adjusted hazard ratio 1.04, 95% CI 0.76-1.44, p = 0.77) or fatal/non-fatal atheromatous or non-atheromatous CVD (0.98, 0.78-1.23, p = 0.91). CONCLUSIONS These findings do not appear to support a treat-to-target approach in CKD patients on LLT, and may favor the hypothesis of an advantage of fire-and-forget. Randomized trials are needed to confirm this theory.
-
2.
Identifying Clusters of Adherence to Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Behaviors and Persistence with Medication in New Lipid-Lowering Drug Users. Impact on Healthcare Utilization.
Malo, S, Rabanaque, MJ, Maldonado, L, Moreno-Franco, B, Chaure-Pardos, A, Lallana, MJ, Rodrigo, MP, Aguilar-Palacio, I
Nutrients. 2021;(3)
Abstract
We sought to identify specific profiles of new lipid-lowering drug users based on adherence to a healthy lifestyle and persistence with medication, and to characterize co-morbidities, co-treatments, and healthcare utilization for each of the profiles identified. Observational study in 517 participants in the Aragon Workers' Health Study (AWHS) without previous cardiovascular disease (CVD) and who initiated lipid-lowering therapy. Data were collected from workplace medical examinations and administrative health databases (2010-2018). Using cluster analysis, we identified distinct patient profiles based on persistence with therapy and lifestyle. We then compared characteristics, morbidity, and healthcare utilization across clusters. Participants were aggregated into four clusters based on persistence with therapy, smoking status, adherence to Mediterranean diet, and physical activity. In cluster 1 (n = 113), comprising those with a healthiest lifestyle (14.2% smokers, 84.0% with medium-high adherence to Mediterranean diet, high physical activity), 16.8% were persistent. In cluster 3 (n = 108), comprising patients with the least healthy lifestyle (100% smokers, poor adherence to the Mediterranean diet, low level of physical activity), all were non-persistent. Clusters 2 (n = 150) and 4 (n = 146) both comprised patients with intermediate lifestyle behaviors, but differed in terms of persistence (100 and 0%, respectively). Compared with other clusters, the burden of morbidity, cardiovascular score, and healthcare utilization were lower in cluster 1. The healthy adherer effect was only observed in new lipid-lowering drug users of certain profiles. Furthermore, we found that differences in adherence to lifestyle and medication recommendations for CVD prevention influenced morbidity burden and healthcare utilization.
-
3.
Risk Factors Control and Early Recurrent Cerebral Infarction in Patients with Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease.
Del Brutto, VJ, Liebeskind, DS, Romano, JG, Campo-Bustillo, I, Cotsonis, G, Nizam, A, Prabhakaran, S, ,
Journal of stroke and cerebrovascular diseases : the official journal of National Stroke Association. 2021;(9):105914
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk of early recurrent cerebral infarction (RCI) is high in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease (IAD). We sought to determine the relationship between risk factor control and early RCI risk among patients with symptomatic IAD. METHODS We analyzed participants with symptomatic IAD in the multi-center prospective observational MYRIAD study. Risk factor control was assessed at 6-8-week follow-up. Optimal risk factor control was defined by target systolic blood pressure, being non-smoker, target physical activity, and antiplatelet and antilipidemic therapy compliance. Age-adjusted associations were calculated between risk factor control and RCI determined by MRI-evident new infarcts in the territory of the stenotic vessel at 6-8 weeks from the index event. RESULTS Among 82 participants with clinical and brain MRI information available 6-8 weeks after the index event (mean age 63.5 ±12.5 years, 62.2% men), RCI occurred in 21 (25.6%) cases. At 6-8-week follow-up, 37.8% had target systolic blood pressure, 92.7% were non-smokers, 51.2% had target physical activity, and 98.8% and 86.6% were compliant with antiplatelet and antilipidemic therapy, respectively. Optimal risk factor control increased from 4.9% at baseline to 19.5% at 6-8-week follow-up (p=0.01). None of the participants with optimal risk factor control at follow-up had RCI (0% vs. 31.8%, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Only one-fifth of MYRIAD participants had optimal risk factor control during early follow-up. Approximately half and two-thirds had physical inactivity and uncontrolled systolic blood pressure, respectively. These risk factors may represent important therapeutic targets to prevent early RCI in patients with symptomatic IAD.
-
4.
Lipid Management and 2-Year Clinical Outcomes in Japanese Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: EXPLORE-J.
Nakamura, M, Ako, J, Arai, H, Hirayama, A, Nohara, A, Murakami, Y, Ozaki, A, Harada-Shiba, M
Journal of atherosclerosis and thrombosis. 2021;(12):1307-1322
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
AIM: The prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease has risen in Japan due to increasing metabolic risk factors, including dyslipidemia. A positive linear correlation between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, incidence of CV events, and preventive effects of lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) is well established; however, data in Japan are limited. This analysis evaluated current lipid management practices and risk of recurrent CV events in Japanese post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. METHODS EXPLORE-J is a multicenter, 2-year observational study of hospitalized ACS patients in Japan. RESULTS At 2-year follow-up (n=1944, mean age 66 years, 80.3% male), the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; death associated with myocardial infarction/cerebrovascular accident [CVA] and other CV death, non-fatal ACS, and non-fatal CVA requiring hospitalization during the observation period) was 6.2%; respective incidences of CV death, non-fatal ACS, and CVA were 0.7%, 4.5%, and 1.7%. Statin, intensive statin, and ezetimibe were prescribed for 93.6%, 8.2%, and 3.9% at visit (V)1 (Day[D]1+14), and 92.3%, 10.5%, and 11.6% of patients at V5 (D730±30 days), respectively. Mean LDL-C was reduced from first post-ACS measurement (121.3 mg/dL) to V5 (79.8 mg/dL). A limited number of patients achieved LDL-C <70 mg/dL from V1-V5 (14.4%-34.6%); those with a greater LDL-C reduction by V1 had a lower probability of MACE, indicating the benefits of early LDL-C reduction post ACS. CONCLUSIONS Guideline-recommended LDL-C target achievement post ACS in Japan is suboptimal, suggesting the need for LLT intensification. Additional analyses by risk stratification of the study population and the benefits of lipid management are planned.
-
5.
Real-World Efficacy of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibitors (PCSK9i) in Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia Patients Referred for Lipoprotein Apheresis.
Matta, A, Bongard, V, Bouisset, F, Taraszkiewicz, D, Rabès, JP, Ferrières, J
Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research. 2021;:e928784
Abstract
BACKGROUND A small proportion of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) patients can adequately control this condition, although achieving the recommended targets for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels remains a challenge. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) are new and potent lipid-lowering drugs. However, there is scarce literature on real-world data about their use in patients with FH. MATERIAL AND METHODS We examined the reduction in LDL-c levels from the baseline, after PCSK9i initiation in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia patients referred for lipoprotein apheresis in our regional lipid clinic. The study was conducted from March 2018 to September 2019, the period immediately after PCSK9i reimbursement was available in France. PCSK9i was added on top of the patients' maximal tolerated lipid-lowering regimens. RESULTS The study had 123 patients with heterozygous FH. The mean age of the patients was 59±11 years. The mean baseline LDL-c for all the participants was 277±78 mg/dl. It was 283±81 mg/dl in the PCSK9i monotherapy group (n=83), 247±68 mg/dl in the PCSK9i plus ezetimibe group (n=12), and 264±78 mg/dl in the PCSK9i plus statin and ezetimibe group (n=28). The mean decrease observed in the LDL-c level from baseline was 136±70 mg/dl (n=123), 125±60 mg/dl (n=83), 103±77 mg/dl (n=12), and 175±70 mg/dl (n=28), respectively. CONCLUSIONS An overall reduction of 49.1% from the baseline LDL-c was observed in the heterozygous FH population after PCSK9i initiation in a real-world experience. The group treated with PCSK9i ezetimibe plus statin showed further reduction of their LDL-c levels with a better responder rate, achieving the target 50% reduction in LDL-c from the baseline.
-
6.
Awareness, treatment rates, and compliance to treatment in patients with serum LDL cholesterol higher than 250 mg/dL, and possible, probable, or definite familial hypercholesterolemia.
Yaman, S, Ozdemir, D, Akman, BT, Cakir, B, Ersoy, O
Postgraduate medicine. 2021;(2):146-153
Abstract
PURPOSE Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disease characterized by increased levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). It is underdiagnosed and undertreated despite relatively high prevalance and significant association with increased mortality. We aimed to determine treatment status and compliance in patients with LDL-C ≥ 250 mg/dL and FH. DESIGN Patients older than 18 years old and have a serum LDL-C ≥ 250 mg/dL between January 2010 to December 2016 were identified from the hospital database. A phone survey was performed. Demographic features, smoking status, alcohol use, exercise, cardiovascular disease (CVD), use of medication for dyslipidemia, and CVD and high cholesterol levels in the family were questioned. Dutch Lipid Clinical Network Criteria was used to classify patients. The study was registered to Clinicaltrials.gov in July 2020 (NCT04494464). RESULTS 1365 patients with a LDL-C ≥ 250 mg/dL were identified. Patients that could not be reached and who refused to interview were excluded and the data of 367 patients were analyzed. There were 248 (67.6%) female and 119 (32.4%) male patients and mean age was 50.52 ± 11.66. LDL-C was ≥330 mg/dL in 50 (13.6%) and 250-329 mg/dL in 317 (86.4%) patients. Forty (10.9%) patients were classified as definite, 181 (49.3%) as probable and 146 (39.8%) as possible FH. 213 (58.0%) patients were not receiving lipid-lowering treatment, and 162 (76.1%) stated that medication was never recommended previously, 30 (14.1%) had stopped medication him/herself and 21 (9.8%) had stopped medication with the advice of the physician. Among patients with definite/probable FH, 84 (38.0%) had CVD and the rate of lipid-lowering drug use in these patients was 58.3%. CONCLUSION A significant proportion of patients with LDL-C ≥ 250 mg/dL were not taking lipid-lowering drugs. Similar with many other studies, diagnosis, and treatment rates of FH patients were very low in our study. Further national studies are required to increase awareness of the disease in both physicians and patients.
-
7.
Evaluation of Medical Care for Diabetic and Hypertensive Patients in Primary Care in Mexico: Observational Retrospective Study.
Lara-Esqueda, A, Zaizar-Fregoso, SA, Madrigal-Perez, VM, Ramirez-Flores, M, Montes-Galindo, DA, Martinez-Fierro, ML, Rodriguez-Sanchez, IP, Guzman-Esquivel, J, Meza-Robles, C, Ceja-Espiritu, G, et al
Journal of diabetes research. 2021;:7365075
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present study evaluated the quality of medical care for patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HBP), and both pathologies (DM+HBP) within a public health system in Mexico. METHODS 45,498 patients were included from 2012 to 2015. All information was taken from the electronic medical record database. Each patient record was compared against the standard to test the quality of medical care. RESULTS Glycemia with hypertension goals reached 29.6% in DM+HBP, 48.6% in DM, and 53.2% in HBP. The goals of serum lipids were reached by 3% in DM+HBP, 5% in DM, and 0.2% in HBP. Glycemia, hypertension, and LDL cholesterol reached 0.04%. 15% of patients had an undiagnosed disease. Clinical follow-up examinations reached 20% for foot examination and clinical eye examination. Specialty referrals reached 1% in angiology or cardiology. CONCLUSION Goals for glycemic and hypertension reached 50% in the overall population, while serum lipids, clinical follow-up examinations, and referral to a specialist were deficient. Patients who had both diseases had more consultations, better control for hypertension and lipids, but inferior glycemic control. Overall, quality care for DM and/or HBP has not been met according to the standards.
-
8.
[Effects of changing the appearance of medications in safety and adherence in chronic patients over 65 years of age in primary care. CAMBIMED Study].
Arancón-Monge, JM, de Castro-Cuenca, A, Serrano-Vázquez, Á, Campos-Díaz, L, Rodríguez Barrientos, R, Del Cura-González, I, , , ,
Atencion primaria. 2020;(2):77-85
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study whether the changes in bioequivalent drugs with different appearances are associated with an increase in lack of adherence and medication use errors, in patients >65years old treated with antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications. DESIGN Observational longitudinal prospective cohort study with a one-year follow-up period between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2014. LOCATION Primary Healthcare Centres in the Community of Madrid. PARTICIPANTS Patients ≥65years-old with a diagnosis of hypertension and/or dyslipidaemia receiving treatment with Enalapril and/or Amlodipine and/or Simvastatin. MAIN MEASUREMENTS Variables collected during a Primary Care consultation by means of a personal interview were: sociodemographic (age, gender, level of education), clinical variables, adherence (Morisky-Green test and direct counting), medication errors (number and type), medication changes and number, analytical (total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides) and combined variable (error and/or adherence). There were 1 baseline and 4 quarterly visits. RESULTS The study included 274 patients with a mean age 72 (6.6) years, of whom 47.8% were female. Some medication changes were observed in 134 patients (48.9%), with a median of 3 (IQR 1-5) and a maximum of 11 changes. The risk of presenting with a medication use error or decreased adherence was increased in patients exposed to changes in all visits with RR 1.14 (1.16-1.69) at one year of follow-up. The most frequent error was the loss of dose. For each change in medication, the probability of a combined event increases by 41%. CONCLUSIONS The changes made in bioequivalent drugs with different appearance could increase the number of medication use errors and decrease the adherence. More studies should be carried out to assess how much this affects the control of the disease. The intervention section is not considered because it is an observational study.
-
9.
Effect of lipid-lowering treatment in cardiovascular disease prevalence in familial hypercholesterolemia.
Perez-Calahorra, S, Laclaustra, M, Marco-Benedí, V, Lamiquiz-Moneo, I, Pedro-Botet, J, Plana, N, Sanchez-Hernandez, RM, Amor, AJ, Almagro, F, Fuentes, F, et al
Atherosclerosis. 2019;:245-252
-
-
Free full text
-
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The impact on heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) health led by high-intensity lipid-lowering therapy (HILLT) is unknown, and the question remains if there is still an unacceptably high residual risk to justify treatment with new lipid-lowering drugs. METHODS This observational, retrospective, multicenter, national study in Spain, whose information was obtained from a national dyslipemia registry, was designed to establish the current prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in HeFH and to define the impact of HILLT on CVD in this population. Odds were estimated using several logistic regression models with progressive adjustment. RESULTS 1958 HeFH, mean age 49.3 ± 14.3 years, were included in the analysis. At inclusion in the registry, 295 patients (15.1%) had suffered CVD and 164 (55.6%) had suffered the first event before the onset lipid-lowering treatment. Exposition to treatment associated more than ten times lower odds for CVD than in subjects naïve to treatment (OR 0.085, 95% CI 0.063-0.114, p < 0.001). A first CVD event after a mean treatment period of 9.1 ± 7.2 years occurred in 131 out of 1615 (8.1%) HeFH subjects, and 115 (87.8%) of them were on HILLT. CONCLUSIONS Current prevalence of CVD among HeFH is one third of that reported before the statins era. Early initiation and prolonged lipid-lowering treatment was associated with a reduction in CVD. New cases of CVD, in spite of HILLT, appeared mostly among patients accumulating risk factors and probably they may be considered for further lipid-lowering drugs.
-
10.
Suboptimal lipid levels in clinical practice among Portuguese adults with dyslipidemia under lipid-lowering therapy: Data from the DISGEN-LIPID study.
da Silva, PM, Aguiar, C, Morais, J, ,
Revista portuguesa de cardiologia. 2019;(8):559-569
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Portugal. Hypercholesterolemia has a causal role in atherosclerotic CVD. Guidelines recommend that cardiovascular (CV) risk reduction should be individualized and treatment goals identified. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is the primary treatment target. METHODS DISGEN-LIPID was a cross-sectional observational study conducted in 24 centers in Portugal in dyslipidemic patients aged ≥40 years, on lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) for at least three months and with an available lipid profile in the previous six months. RESULTS A total of 368 patients were analyzed: 48.9% men and 51.1% women (93.9% postmenopausal), of whom 73% had a SCORE of high or very high CV risk. One quarter had a family history of premature CVD; 31% had diabetes; 26% coronary heart disease; 9.5% cerebrovascular disease; and 4.1% peripheral arterial disease. Mean baseline lipid values were total cholesterol (TC) 189 mg/dl, LDL-C 116 mg/dl, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) 53.5 mg/dl, and triglycerides (TG) 135 mg/dl. Women had higher TC (p<0.001), LDL-C (non-significant) and HDL-C (p<0.001), and lower TG (p=0.002); 57% of men and 63% of women had LDL-C>100 mg/dl (p=0.28), and 58% of men and 47% of women had LDL-C>70 mg/dl (p=0.933). CONCLUSION These observational data show that, despite their high-risk profile, more than half of patients under LLT, both men and women, did not achieve the recommended target levels for LDL-C, and a large proportion also had abnormal HDL-C and/or TG. This is a renewed opportunity to improve clinical practice in CV prevention.