July 1, 1999QJM
Atorvastatin compared with simvastatin-based therapies in the management of severe familial hyperlipidaemias
Key result
Atorvastatin was more effective than simvastatin-based therapies in achieving target LDL < 3.5 mmol/l (63% vs. 50%; p < 0.001) in patients with severe hyperlipidaemia, but increased side effects.
Why the study?
Does atorvastatin improve lipid profiles compared to simvastatin-based therapies in patients with severe familial hyperlipidaemia?
Population
201 patients with severe hyperlipidaemia (familial hypercholesterolaemia)
Comparison
Atorvastatin (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg) vs Simvastatin-based therapies
Design
Cohort
Authors
Discussion
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Implication
May support atorvastatin preference for LDL targets in severe hyperlipidaemia; observational data leave open randomized confirmation amid side-effect trade-offs.
Study Design
Type
Observational (n=201)
Structured PICO
Does atorvastatin improve lipid profiles compared to simvastatin-based therapies in patients with severe familial hyperlipidaemia?
P
Population
201 patients with severe hyperlipidaemia.
E
Exposure
Atorvastatin (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg)
C
Comparator
Simvastatin-based therapies (simvastatin 20 mg, 40 mg, simvastatin 40 mg plus resin, or simvastatin-fibrate-resin therapy)
O
Outcome
Lipid and safety profiles (achievement of target LDL < 3.5 mmol/l)surrogate
Main Result
Absolute Event Rate: 63% vs 50%
p-value: p=< 0.001
Atorvastatin is more effective than simvastatin-based therapies in achieving LDL targets in severe familial hyperlipidaemia, though potentially with an increase in side effects.
Limitations
- Possible increase in side-effects
- Needs further study in randomized controlled trials
- Observational design, needs further study in randomized controlled trials
Cite This Study
Anthony S. Wierzbicki (1999) conducted an observational in Severe hyperlipidaemia (n=201). Atorvastatin vs. Simvastatin-based therapies was evaluated on Target LDL < 3.5 mmol/l (p=< 0.001). Atorvastatin was more effective than simvastatin-based therapies in achieving target LDL < 3.5 mmol/l (63% vs. 50%; p < 0.001) in patients with severe hyperlipidaemia, but increased side effects.