Conclusions Ezetimibe monotherapy ( 10 mg/day ) showed a small ( 7.06 % ) but statistically significant reduction in the plasma levels of Lp(a ) in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia .
According to current literature , this magnitude of reduction seems to have no clinical relevance .
Background and Aims Ezetimibe reduces plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) levels by up to 20 % .
However , its effect on plasma lipoprotein(a ) [ Lp(a ) ] concentrations in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia has not been defined .
Objective Therefore , we performed a systematic review and meta- analysis to assess this effect based on the available r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) .
Efficacy and safety of a potent new selective cholesterol absorption inhibitor, ezetimibe, in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia.
The efficacy and safety of ezetimibe , a new cholesterol absorption inhibitor , was evaluated in this r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled trial of 892 patients with primary hypercholesterolemia . After > or = 2 weeks on the National Cholesterol Education Program ( NCEP ) Step I or a stricter diet and a 4- to 8-week single-blind placebo lead-in , patients with low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol 130 to 250 mg/dl and triglycerides < or = 350 mg/dl were r and omized 3:1 to receive ezetimibe 10 mg or placebo orally each morning for 12 weeks . The primary efficacy end point was the percent reduction in direct plasma LDL cholesterol from baseline to end point . A total of 434 men and 458 women ( ages 18 to 85 years ) received r and omized treatment ( 666 ezetimibe 10 mg , 226 placebo ) . Demographics and baseline characteristics were similar between treatment groups . Ezetimibe significantly reduced direct LDL cholesterol by a mean of 16.9 % , compared with an increase of 0.4 % with placebo ( p < 0.01 ) . Subgroup analysis indicated that response to ezetimibe was generally consistent across all subgroups , regardless of risk-factor status , gender , age , race , or baseline lipid profile . Ezetimibe effects on LDL cholesterol occurred early ( 2 weeks ) and persisted throughout the 12-week treatment period . Compared with placebo , ezetimibe 10 mg also significantly improved calculated LDL cholesterol , apolipoprotein B , total cholesterol , triglycerides , high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol , and HDL(3 ) cholesterol ( p < 0.01 ) . Ezetimibe was well tolerated . There were no differences in laboratory or clinical safety parameters , or gastrointestinal , liver , or muscle side effects from that of placebo . Ezetimibe 10 mg/day is well tolerated , reduces LDL cholesterol approximately 17 % , and improves other key lipid parameters
Conclusions Ezetimibe monotherapy ( 10 mg/day ) showed a small ( 7.06 % ) but statistically significant reduction in the plasma levels of Lp(a ) in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia .
According to current literature , this magnitude of reduction seems to have no clinical relevance .
Background and Aims Ezetimibe reduces plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) levels by up to 20 % .
However , its effect on plasma lipoprotein(a ) [ Lp(a ) ] concentrations in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia has not been defined .
Objective Therefore , we performed a systematic review and meta- analysis to assess this effect based on the available r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) .