Effectiveness and safety of alirocumab and evolocumab for hypercholesterolemia in a population with high cardiovascular risk.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The criteria for the use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) more restrictive than those approved were established in Catalonia by the Health System (CatSalut) to improve their efficiency, with different LDL-C values from which to start treatment according to risk factors. The aim of the study is to analyse adherence to these criteria and results. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients treated with PCSK9i at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital between 2016 and 2021 was performed using data from the Registry of Patients and Treatments and medical records. The degree of agreement with the CatSalut criteria, LDL-C-responders (decrease ≥30%), cardiovascular events and discontinuations were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 193 patients treated with PCSK9i were followed for a median of 27 months (IQR 23). The median age was 61 (IQR 15); 62.7% were men. Seventy percent of the patients had non-familial hypercholesterolemia. Treatment was for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in 82.4% of cases. The median LDL-C decreased from 139 (IQR 52) to 59 (IQR 45) mg/dL. The percentage of LDL-C reduction was 61.0% (IQR 30). In 72.5% of patients, all CatSalut criteria for starting treatment were met. The rate of responders was 85.4%. During follow-up, 19 patients (9.8%) had a cardiovascular event, and 15 (7.7%) discontinued treatment, in two cases due to toxicity. CONCLUSION: PCSK9i were used according to CatSalut criteria in three out of four cases. In this high-risk population, incidence of cardiovascular events was similar to that in clinical trials.

Multizonal observational study conducted by clinical practitioners on Repatha® use in patients with hyperlipidemia (ZERBINI): Colombian results / Estudio Observacional Multizonal realizado por Médicos Clínicos sobre el Uso de Repatha® en Pacientes con Hiperlipidemia (ZERBINI): resultados colombianos

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the primary cause of death and disability globally, with elevated cholesterol as one of the leading risk factors for CVD. We describe the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and effectiveness of evolocumab in treating hyperlipidemia. Methods Observational study conducted through a chart review of patients with hyperlipidemia receiving evolocumab as part of clinical management in Colombia. Results This study included 115 patients treated with evolocumab. A total of 101 patients (87.8%) had a history of CVD, 13 (11.3%) familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), and 23 (20%) type 2 diabetes. Thirty-nine patients reported intolerance to any statin (33.9%). The median value of LDL-C before initiation of evolocumab was 147mg/dL (IQR: 122.5–183.7mg/dL). Within the first 3 months of treatment, LDL-C value dropped to a median value of 53mg/dL (IQR: 34.0–95.5mg/dL), showing a reduction of 63.9%. The median LDL-C values remained below 45mg/dL until the end of follow-up. Among the patients with available data, up to 61% achieved an LDL-C level below 55mg/dL at the 10–12-month follow-up. A total of 72% of patients were persistent with treatment. Safety results showed a low frequency of hospitalizations (≤2%) and treatment-emergent adverse drug reactions (5.2%). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions Evolocumab was associated with reductions in LDL-C levels, with a relative decrease of 63.9% within the first 3 months of treatment. Low rates of interruptions due to adverse events and adequate medication persistence was reported. (AU)

Antecedentes Las enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) representan la principal causa de muerte y discapacidad en todo el mundo, siendo el colesterol elevado uno de los principales factores de riesgo de ECV. El presente estudio describe las características clínicas, patrones de tratamiento y la efectividad de evolocumab en el tratamiento de la hiperlipidemia. Métodos Estudio observacional de revisión de historias clínicas de pacientes con hiperlipidemia que reciben evolocumab como parte del manejo clínico en Colombia. Resultados Se incluyeron 115 pacientes tratados con evolocumab. Un total de 101 pacientes (87,8%) presentaron antecedentes de ECV, 13 (11,3%) de hipercolesterolemia familiar y 23 (20%) de diabetes tipo 2. De los pacientes estudiados, 39% declararon intolerancia a alguna estatina (33,9%). La mediana de C-LDL antes del inicio de evolocumab fue de 147mg/dL (IQR: 122,5-183,7mg/dL). En los primeros tres meses de tratamiento, el valor de C-LDL descendió a 53mg/dL (IQR: 34,0-95,5mg/dL), siendo una reducción de 63,9%. La mediana de C-LDL se mantuvo por debajo de 45mg/dL hasta el final del seguimiento. Entre los pacientes con datos disponibles, hasta 61% alcanzó un nivel de LDL-C inferior a 55mg/dL en el seguimiento de 10-12 meses. De los pacientes analizados, 72% fue persistente al tratamiento. Los resultados de seguridad mostraron una baja frecuencia de hospitalizaciones (≤2%) y de reacciones adversas relacionadas al tratamiento (5,2%). No se notificaron acontecimientos adversos graves. Conclusiones Evolocumab se asoció con reducciones en los niveles de C-LDL, con una disminución relativa de 63,9% en los primeros tres meses de tratamiento. Se reportaron bajas tasas de interrupciones por eventos adversos y adecuada persistencia a la medicación. (AU)

Multizonal observational study conducted by clinical practitioners on Repatha® use in patients with hyperlipidemia (ZERBINI): Colombian results.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents the primary cause of death and disability globally, with elevated cholesterol as one of the leading risk factors for CVD. We describe the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and effectiveness of evolocumab in treating hyperlipidemia. METHODS: Observational study conducted through a chart review of patients with hyperlipidemia receiving evolocumab as part of clinical management in Colombia. RESULTS: This study included 115 patients treated with evolocumab. A total of 101 patients (87.8%) had a history of CVD, 13 (11.3%) familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), and 23 (20%) type 2 diabetes. Thirty-nine patients reported intolerance to any statin (33.9%). The median value of LDL-C before initiation of evolocumab was 147mg/dL (IQR: 122.5-183.7mg/dL). Within the first 3 months of treatment, LDL-C value dropped to a median value of 53mg/dL (IQR: 34.0-95.5mg/dL), showing a reduction of 63.9%. The median LDL-C values remained below 45mg/dL until the end of follow-up. Among the patients with available data, up to 61% achieved an LDL-C level below 55mg/dL at the 10-12-month follow-up. A total of 72% of patients were persistent with treatment. Safety results showed a low frequency of hospitalizations (≤2%) and treatment-emergent adverse drug reactions (5.2%). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Evolocumab was associated with reductions in LDL-C levels, with a relative decrease of 63.9% within the first 3 months of treatment. Low rates of interruptions due to adverse events and adequate medication persistence was reported.

[Lipid treatment in the period COVID-19]. / Tratamiento hipolipemiante en la era COVID-19.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that cardiovascular diseases carry a higher risk of mortality. Doubts have been raised regarding lipid therapy in these patients. The objectives are to analyze the efficacy and safety of lipid lowering therapy in patients with COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the scientific literature was conducted in PubMed, CDC Reports, NIH, and NCBI SARS-CoV-2 using the keywords: COVID-2, statins, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, hypercholesterolemia, and hypolipidemic drugs. RESULTS: The statins should continue to use patients with COVID-19 based on their efficacy, safety, immunosuppressive effects, anti-inflammatory availability and accessibility. Depending on the cardiovascular risk levels of these patients, the use of high potency statins and/or ezetimibe and/or iPCSK9 may be necessary in patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk. Patients treated with iPCSK9 should continue treatment for its beneficial effects in preventing cardiovascular disease. Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and COVID-19 are especially vulnerable to cardiovascular disease and should continue to receive severe lipid lowering therapy. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with COVID-19, the majority of baseline CVDs are of atherosclerotic origin, with the worst prediction for patients with high risk and very high risk of CVD. In these patients, intensive treatment with statins and/or fixed combination with ezetimibe and/or iPCSK9 plays a fundamental role.

Inhibidores de la PCSK9: una nueva era en el control del riesgo cardiovascular / PCSK9 inhibitors: a new era in the control of cardiovascular risk / Inibidores da PCSK9: uma nova era no controle do risco cardiovascular

Resumen: Las estatinas constituyen aún la pieza fundamental para el manejo del riesgo cardiovascular. Utilizadas en dosis de alta intensidad logran reducciones de colesterol asociado a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (C-LDL) de 50%-60%. Sin embargo, en pacientes con hipercolesterolemia severa, las estatinas solas o asociadas a ezetimibe pueden no ser suficientes para alcanzar los objetivos de descenso de C-LDL. Tal es el caso de las dislipemias genéticas como la hipercolesterolemia familiar. Lo mismo ocurre en pacientes con intolerancia total o parcial a estatinas, en los que se requiere de alternativas farmacológicas modernas que permitan reducir el riesgo cardiovascular elevado. En este escenario, los inhibidores de la proproteína convertasa subtilisina kexina tipo 9, se han convertido en una piedra angular para lograr no solo una reducción jamás antes vista del C-LDL, sino también del riesgo cardiovascular. La nueva evidencia posiciona a estos fármacos en un lugar de privilegio, siendo eficaces y bien tolerados, con el costo como principal limitante, a pesar de su marcado descenso en los últimos años.

Summary: Statins are still the fundamental piece for cardiovascular risk management. Used in doses of high intensity achieve reductions in cholesterol associated with low density lipoproteins of 50%-60%. However, in patients with severe hypercholesterolemia, statins alone or associated with ezetimibe may not be sufficient to achieve cholesterol associated with low density lipoproteins decrease targets. Such is the case of genetic dyslipidemias as familial hypercholesterolemia. Also in patients with total or partial statin intolerance, a modern pharmacological alternative is required to reduce high cardiovascular risk. In this scenario, proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 inhibitors have become a cornerstone to achieve not only a reduction never seen before of cholesterol associated with low density lipoproteins levels, but also of cardiovascular risk. These drugs are in a privilege position due to the new evidence, being effective and well tolerated, with cost as its main limitation despite its marked decline in recent years.

Resumo: As estatinas ainda são a peça fundamental da gestão de risco cardiovascular. Utilizada em dose de alta intensidade atinge reduções associadas com colesterol da lipoproteína de baixa densidade de 50%-60%. No entanto em pacientes com hipercolesterolemia grave, estatinas, sozinhas ou associadas a ezetimiba podem não ser suficientes para alcançar os objetivos de redução de colesterol da lipoproteína de baixa densidade. Tal é o caso das dislipidemias genéticas como a hipercolesterolemia familiar. O mesmo ocorre em pacientes com intolerância total ou parcial de estatinas, que exige modernas alternativas farmacológicas que permitem reduzir o risco cardiovascular alto. Neste panorama, os inibidores da pró-proteína convertasa subtilisina kexina tipo 9, se tornaram uma pedra angular para alcançar não apenas uma redução em nunca antes visto colesterol da lipoproteína de baixa densidade, mas de risco cardiovascular. Novas provas colocam essas drogas em um lugar de privilégio, por ser eficaz e bem tolerado, com o custo como sua principal limitante a pesar do seu grande declínio nos últimos anos.

Treatment of a high cardiovascular risk patient with McArdle's disease with PCSK9 inhibitors. / Tratamiento de un varón con enfermedad de McArdle y muy alto riesgo cardiovascular con inhibidores de PCSK9.

A 60-year-old male with familial combined hyperlipidemia, ischemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Since childhood, intolerance to intense exercise. The patient was diagnosed of McArdle's disease after an episode of rhabdomyolysis associated with statins as treatment after a myocardial infarction. Since then, he had been treated with diet, fibrates and ezetimibe with good tolerance, despite this, LDL cholesterol (cLDL) remained >180mg/dl. He started to be treated with alirocumab 150mg/sc every 14 days, with excellent clinical response and a decrease in cLDL to 15mg/dl. Our case shows that PCSK9 inhibitors are effective and safe in patients with muscle diseases who have statin contraindication, and they are a good therapeutic tool for these patients.

Cholesterol and stroke: Roll of PCSK9 inhibitors. / Colesterol e ictus: papel de los inhibidores de la proproteína convertasa subtilisina/kexina tipo 9.

INTRODUCTION: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) plays an important role in the modulation of plasma levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC). PCSK9 binds to the LDL receptor (LDLR), disrupts its endocytic recycling itinerary and directs it to lysosomal degradation. Activation of PCSK9 can thus decrease the expression of LDLR in the liver and inhibit LDL uptake, which leads to hypercholesterolaemia. DEVELOPMENT: Currently we now know that different polymorphisms of PCSK9 are associated with the occurrence of ischaemic stroke. On the other hand, PCSK9 inhibitors prevent binding of PCSK9 to LDLR and inhibit degradation of LDLR, which results in increased hepatic uptake of LDL and lower LDL levels in blood. Different phase 2 and 3 studies, including OSLER and ODYSSEY LONG-TERM, have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the new monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 such as evolucumab and alirocumab, and the first exploratory analyses have shown evidence of their efficacy in decreasing vascular events, including stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Although few strokes have been reported by these studies, new ongoing trials examining the cardiovascular effects of evolucumab (FOURIER study), alirocumab (ODYSSEY OUTCOMES study), and bococizumab (SPIRE-1 and SPIRE-2 studies) will reveal the true potential of these drugs, particularly for the prevention of stroke.

Usefulness of compounds with monacolin K in a case of statins intolerance.

Many patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) or in secondary prevention situations and with statin intolerance do not achieve LDL-C targets, and require treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors (iPCSK9) and ezetimibe. The case is presented on a patient with FH and total intolerance to statins. Treatment with iPCSK9 and ezetimibe failed to achieve her LDL-C target. A compound with red yeast rice derivatives containing 3mg of monacolin K was added, with good therapeutic compliance, and a very good control of LDL-C. The addition of red yeast rice derivatives containing low doses of monacolin K, together with IPCSK9 in patients with total intolerance to statins, may open a new path to obtain LDL-C targets in patients with high/very high cardiovascular risk.

Inhibidores de proproteína convertasa subtilisina kexina tipo 9 (PCSK9): Revisión y puesta al día farmacológica / Pro protein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors: Pharmacological review and update / Inibidores de pró-proteína convertase subtilisina kexina tipo 9 (PCSK9): Revisão e atualização farmacológica

La enfermedad cardiovascular aterosclerótica es la causa número uno de morbi-mortalidad a nivel mundial. La relación directa entre los niveles del colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad y la aterosclerosis ha llevado a optimizar los esfuerzos en regular y controlar esta sub-fracción lipoproteica. El descubrimiento de la pro proteína convertasa subtilisina kexina tipo 9 (PCSK9) como regulador del receptor de la lipoproteína de baja densidad a nivel hepático, y por consiguiente de los niveles circulantes del colesterol unido a la lipoproteína de baja densidad, desencadenó un esfuerzo inusual a fin de disminuir su concentración plasmática. La inhibición de PCSK9, a través de anticuerpos monoclonales, ha demostrado ser una estrategia farmacológica con un amplio perfil de seguridad y una alta eficacia en los estudios de fase 3. Esto ha llevado a su aprobación por distintos entes reguladores en determinados grupos específicos, como los pacientes portadores de hipercolesterolemia familiar y los pacientes en prevención secundaria que no alcanzan las metas con las herramientas farmacológicas disponibles. A la espera de resultados sobre eventos clínicos, se propone revisar en el siguiente artículo los aspectos farmacológicos de los inhibidores de PCSK9.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The direct relationship between cholesterol levels lipoprotein low density and atherosclerosis has led to optimize efforts to regulate and control this lipoprotein sub-fraction. The discovery of the pro protein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) as regulator receptor low-density lipoprotein in liver and therefore circulating levels of cholesterol bound to low density lipoprotein, triggered an unusual effort to reduce its plasma concentration. Inhibition of PCSK9 through monoclonal antibodies, it has proved to be a pharmacologic strategy with a broad safety profile and high efficacy in the phase 3 trials. This has led to approval by several regulatory entities in certain specific groups, such as patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and patients in secondary prevention who not reaching goals with the pharmacological toolsavailable. Pending results of clinical events, the aim of this article is to review the pharmacological aspects of the inhibitors of PCSK9.

A doença cardiovascular aterosclerótica é a principal causa de morbidade e mortalidade no mundo. A relação direta entre os níveis de colesterol de lipoproteína de baixa densidade e aterosclerose levou a otimizar os esforços para regular e controlar esse sub-fração de lipoproteína. A descoberta da pró-proteína convertase subtilisina kexin tipo 9 (PCSK9) como regulador do receptor de lipoproteína de baixa densidade no fígado e, portanto, os níveis de colesterol ligado à lipoproteína de baixa densidade em circulação, desencadeado um esforço incomum para reduzir a sua concentração no plasma. A inibição da PCSK9 por meio de anticorpos monoclonais, tem provado ser uma estratégia farmacológica com um amplo perfil de segurança e uma elevada eficácia nos estudos de fase 3. Isto levou à aprovação de várias entidades regulatórias em determinados grupos específicos, tais como pacientes com hipercolesterolemia familiar e pacientes em prevenção secundária, que não atingem metas com as ferramentas farmacológicas disponíveis. Enquanto se aguarda resultados de eventos clínicos, o objetivo deste artigo é revisar os aspectos farmacológicos dos inibidores de PCSK9.