Background: Vytorin contains Ezetimibe 10mg and Simvastatin 20mg. Ezetimibe inhibits Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) protein, which located primarily on the epithelial brush border of the GI tract, resulting in reduced cholesterol absorption. Simvastatin decreases cholesterol production by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase. IMPROVE-IT indicates that the addition of ezetimibe to statin therapy produces a further reduction in total cholesterol、LDL-C、triglycerides、apoprotein B and C-reactive Protein.
Objectives: Therefore, we want to investigate the effect of Vytorin on the reduction of LDL-C at a regional hospital in Taiwan by retrospective analysis.
Methods: Patients’ medical records were obtained from April 2019 to December 2019 a regional hospital in Taichung, retrospectively. Retrospective analysis of the LDL changes before and after using Vytorin, a total of 355 patients who still use Vytorin in June 2019 were included, and 216 patients who did not comply with health insurance regulations of Taiwan were excluded.
Results: Among the 355 patients who use Vytorin, only 139 patients with reasonable use of Vytorin were included. There are 74 (53.2%) male and 65 (46.8%) female. The average age is 61±11 years old. The average LDL cholesterol level decline is 42mg/dL. There are 65 patients (47%) who reach the treatment goal and 74 patients (53%) failure to reach treatment goals. Among the 65 patients who reach the treatment goal, 28 patients (43%) use 0.5# QD and 37 patients (57%) use 1# QD. Among the 74 patients who failed to reach treatment goals，14 patients (19%) use 0.5# QD and 60 patients(81% ) use 1# QD.
Conclusions: According to the results of this retrospective analysis, the average LDL cholesterol level decline is 42mg/dL. Compare to the IMPROVE-IT (Improved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial), the average LDL cholesterol level decline is 51mg/dL. Our retrospective analysis has seen similar results.
