Ezetimibe combined with low-dose statin effectively lowers LDL in protease inhibitor treated patients

AIDS Patient Care STDS. 2008 Jun;22(6):483-8. doi: 10.1089/apc.2007.0206.

Abstract

Ezetimibe (EZB) lowers cholesterol by blocking cholesterol absorption in the intestine. Data with EZB are limited in HIV-infected patients. We enrolled HIV-infected adults in this prospective, noncontrolled, single-center pilot study if their low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was not at goal despite therapy with a statin. Stable protease inhibitor (PI)-based highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and a low-dose statin were required for inclusion. The primary endpoint was LDL reduction at 18 weeks. In a subgroup of patients on lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r), trough concentrations were obtained before and after addition of EZB. Twenty patients were enrolled; 12 (60%) men, 18 (90%) African American. HAART included ritonavir (RTV)-boosted PIs in 17 (85%) patients; 3 (15%) were on nelfinavir. Mean percent changes from baseline in LDL were -10.9%, -12.2%, and -12.4% at weeks 6, 12, and 18, respectively (p < 0.05 for each time period vs. baseline). Mean percent changes from baseline in total cholesterol (TC) were -11.1%, -9.6%, and 9.1% at weeks 6, 12, and 18, respectively (p < 0.05 at each time period vs. baseline). No significant changes in triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and LPV/r concentrations were seen. One patient experienced elevated creatine phosphokinase possibly related to study medication; no other adverse effects were seen. Addition of EZB to low-dose statin effectively lowers LDL and TC and appears to be safe and well tolerated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticholesteremic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • Atorvastatin
  • Azetidines / therapeutic use*
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Cholesterol, LDL / drug effects*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Ezetimibe
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • HIV Infections / blood*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • HIV-1 / drug effects
  • Heptanoic Acids / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Hypercholesterolemia / blood
  • Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy*
  • Lopinavir / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Pravastatin / administration & dosage*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Pyrroles / administration & dosage*
  • Ritonavir / administration & dosage
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Azetidines
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • HIV Protease Inhibitors
  • Heptanoic Acids
  • Pyrroles
  • Lopinavir
  • Atorvastatin
  • Ezetimibe
  • Pravastatin
  • Ritonavir