Effect of Ezetimibe/Simvastatin and Atorvastatin with Conventional Dose on Achieving Target Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Goal

Abstract

Although recent lipid-lowering agents were effective in reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level, many patients treated with lipid-lowering therapy did not achieve target LDL cholesterol level, especially in very high risk hypercholesterolemic patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of ezetimibe/simvastatin and atorvastatin with conventional dose on reducing lipid levels and achieving target LDL cholesterol level in very high risk hypercholesterolemic patients. A total of 79 patients in very high risk hypercholesterolemia were enrolled in the study. Patients are randomly grouped in 2: Group 1, ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/20 mg/day and Group 2, atorvastatin 10 mg/day. Target level of LDL cholesterol was defined less than <70 mg/dl at follow-up. The follow-up plasma lipid data were obtained after 8 weeks of treatment. Baseline plasma lipid data were similar between the two groups. Achieving target LDL cholesterol level was observed in 64% of the Group 1 and 40% of Group 2 at 8-week follow-up (p<0.05). Compared with Group 2, Group 1 showed a significantly reduction in LDL cholesterol and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol and a trend toward to a greater reduction in total cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-1. In patients with very high risk hypercholesterolemia, ezetimibe/simvastatin 10/20 mg was superior to atorvastatin 10 mg/day in attainment of target LDL- cholesterol goal and in efficacy with other lipoprotein parameters.