Pharmacoeconomics study of rosuvastatin single daily dose versus alternate day dosing in hyperlipidemia patients

Background: In country like India, therapy with rosuvastatin recommended dose may cost between Rs. 400.00 and Rs. 800.00/month. The lower and middle income groups of Indian society are rapidly becoming major sufferers of cardiovascular disease, among all non-communicable diseases, the economic burden of rosuvastatin therapy may be substantial for this large section of population. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the cost-effectiveness of rosuvastatin on alternate day versus daily dosing regimen in hyperlipidemia patients. Materials and Methods: The research was carried out at MNR Medical College and Hospital’s department of pharmacology in association with general medicine. According to the inclusion criteria, 50 patients aged 30–60 years of both sexes were included in this prospective open label trial. The research lasted 6 weeks. All the participants were included in study after obtaining the informed consent and approval of the Institutional Ethics Committee was obtained before enrolment of participants. All patient data were obtained using a pre-designed proforma and put into an excel spreadsheet. Results: A total of 42 patients are included with 16 females (38%) and 26 men (62%). Cost of daily rosuvastatin for 6 weeks is Rs. 1087.80 (yearly daily dosing expenses 9453.50%) accounting for mean reduction of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) of 33.50% and for alternate day rosuvastatin for 6 weeks is 543.90% (yearly alternate day dosing expense 4713.80%) accounting for mean reduction of LDL-C of 31%. Conclusion: Treatment with alternate day dose of rosuvastatin is comparably cost-effective when compared to currently practicing daily dose rosuvastatin therapy.

Lipoprotein(a) in Essential Hypertension Patients.

Background: Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an important and independent cardiovascular risk factor, but its role in the development of coronary vascular disease in hypertensives have conflicting results. Adequate studies have not been conducted on the Lp(a) in essential hypertensive patients. Aims and Objectives: In the present study, we aimed to investigate the possible relationship between plasma Lp (a) and lipid levels in essential hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 30 essential arterial hypertensive patients were studied and compared with 30 controls matched in terms of age, sex and body mass index. Results: It was seen that mean level of Total Cholesterol, Triglyceride, Very Low Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol and Low Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol were elevated in hypertensive patients as compared to controls, but the levels were not statistically significant. Taking 30 mg/dl as the cut off value of Lp(a), majority of the patients had levels more than 30 mg/dl (P<0.001) when compared to controls. Conclusion: This study indicates that significantly elevated serum Lp(a) level can be a independent risk factor for coronary vascular diseases in essential hypertensive patients.

Effect of Barley on Variation of Blood Glucose and Lipid Metabolism / 가정의학회지

BACKGROUND: It is regarded that contemporary Korean diet, the combination of carbohydrates-based Korean traditional diet and the Western eating patterns, increases the vulnerability to chronic diseases such as coronary vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Therefore, there is a rising interest in carbohydrate sources with low glycemic index; many researches have proven the medical benefits of low glycemic index diet. Barley has recently drawn attention and various benefits of barley, such as improvements of obesity and bowel function, have been suggested. It seems that the beta-glucan, a content of barley helps to lower blood sugar level. This study aimed to evaluate the advantages of barley consumption compared to wheat consumption in blood sugar and blood lipid profile levels. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy Korea University students were randomly assigned to two groups: 12 of barley bread consumption group (treatment group) and 12 of wheat bread consumption group (control group). Both groups took bread on an empty stomach and the changes of their blood sugar and lipid levels were measured, compared, and analyzed every hour for four hours. RESULTS: The blood sugar level one hour later in the barley bread consumption group was statistically low. In addition, the area under curve of the barley bread intake group was found to be statistically smaller. However, the blood lipid profiles between the two groups did not show meaningful difference. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the consumption of food containing barley could bring various medical benefits to one's health by lowering blood sugar.