Efficacy of statins in dyslipidemia: a non interventional comparative study in a tertiary care hospital, Ajman, UAE

The reduction of serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels varies with different statins. The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy of Simvastatin, Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin in the treatment of newly diagnosed dyslipidemia. A prospective, non-interventional 12-week study was conducted after approval from the Ethics Committee. A total of 70 patients with newly diagnosed dyslipidemia receiving 20mg of Simvastatin, Atorvastatin or Rosuvastatin were included. The primary efficacy measure was reduction of lipid levels from the initial baseline values at the end of 12 weeks with the respective Statins. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Paired -t test, and analysis of variance [ANOVA]. Of total 70 patients, 14 patients received Simvastatin; 40 patients received Atorvastatin and 16 patients received Rosuvastatin. Demographic and baseline clinical characteristics were similar between the three groups. Significant reduction in lipid levels [total cholesterol, and LDL] was seen within the three treatment groups [p<0.01]. However, statistically significant difference in the reduction lipid levels was not observed between the three groups. We found no significant difference in the reduction of lipid levels between Simvastatin, Atorvastatin or Rosuvastatin patients with newly diagnosed dyslipidemia

Faculty outlook towards animal experiments in postgraduate medical education

Animal experiments form an essential component of postgraduate medical education in the discipline of Pharmacology. In this context, the present study aimed to assess the perceptions of Pharmacology faculty members in South Indian medical colleges regarding the use of animals in postgraduate training. A cross-sectional survey was done among 70 Pharmacology faculty in 15 South Indian medical colleges. A validated pre-tested 27-statement, 5-domain questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 version. Categorical variables were described by frequencies and percentage. With 52 faculty members responding to the content validated questionnaire, the response rate was 84.3%. The analysis of results revealed that the majority of the faculty members agreed with statements about the advantages and some disadvantages of animal experiments. About 88% stated that animal experiments should be conducted in the program. The majorities were also aware of alternatives to animal experiments and agreed that animal experiments should be continued with a reduction in the number or with refinement of the use of animals in spite of the availability of alternatives. The majority of faculty members of South Indian medical colleges, who took part in our study, support animal use in postgraduate courses in spite of being aware of their drawbacks and the availability of alternatives. Hence, in view of the trend to "Replace, Reduce and Refine" animal use, greater awareness is needed regarding the utilization of alternatives to animal experiments in postgraduate medical education