Treatment patterns and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment among patients receiving high- or moderate-intensity statins

• DOI: 10.1007/s00392-017-1193-z
• Publication Date: 2017-12-22T04:34:28Z
• Authors: Kathleen M. Fox; Ming-Hui Tai; Karel Kostev; Maximilian Hatz; Yi Qian; Ulrich Laufs
• Keywords: Discontinuation; Unstable angina; Medical record

European clinical guidelines recommend a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal of < 70 mg/dL. Statin use varies and past studies suggest low rates real-world attainment. This study describes LDL-C attainment among atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD) patients with various utilization patterns moderate- or high-intensity statins in routine care.This retrospective cohort used electronic medical records data from the QuintilesIMS® Disease Analyzer (> 2 million individuals annually) to identify ASCVD (coronary atherosclerosis, stable/unstable angina, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, transient attack, aneurysm, peripheral artery disease) on moderate-/high-intensity statin Germany. Proportion mg/dL was determined using lowest value for each patient (index) 2012, 2013, 2014, while statin. Treatment were assessed at least 1 year post-index follow-up. Results stratified by treatment pattern [no change, switch, dose up-/down-titration, discontinuation (≥ 90 day gap)].In > 14,000 (mean age 71 years, 35% female, 8-12% taking statins), approximately 80% had ≥ most (88-93%) patients. Approximately 79-81% made no change regimens, 1% switched statins, 14-16% discontinued; moderate-intensity up-titrated, 3% all down-titrated. these groups 20, 16-24, 17, 11-14, 17-19%, respectively.Majority statins. Despite attainment, few changed their regimens.