PCSK9 inhibitors and treatment targets: an audit-based evaluation of a specialist lipid clinic

Authors

  • Anirudh Suresh Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  • Aikaterini Theodoraki Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  • Emily Ward Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
  • Michael Feher Chelsea & Westminster Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15277/bjd.2022.342

Keywords:

PCSK9 inhibitors, low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, familial hypercholesterolaemia, guideline targets

Abstract

Background: Trial evidence for lower LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) treatment targets for cardiovascular benefit were incorporated into recent European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society and NICE guidelines. Treatment targets are LDL-C <1.4mmol/L, LDL-C <1.8mmol/L and ≥50% LDL-C reduction for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and/or Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH). There is limited real-world evidence of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9is), with enhanced LDL-C lowering, achieving these targets.

Aims: To assess attainment of guideline LDL-C targets using PCSK9is ± oral lipid-lowering therapies (LLT) in ASCVD and/or FH.

Methods: Clinic-based audit using retrospective case-note review of adults prescribed PCSK9is. Anonymised data were collected before and after PCSK9i initiation. Standards were attainment of LDL-C <1.8mmol/L, LDL-C <1.4mmol/L and ≥50% LDL-C reduction.

Results: Fifty-five patients (mean age 60.8 years) receiving PCSK9is (35% monotherapy; median treatment duration 1.5 years) were identified (ASCVD, n=50; FH, n=18). Target attainment was 80% for ≥50% LDL-C reduction, 46% for LDL-C <1.8mmol/L and 24% for LDL-C <1.4mmol/L. Greater attainment of these targets occurred with ≥2 additional LLTs versus one additional LLT or PCSK9i monotherapy.

Conclusion: Most ASCVD and/or FH patients achieved ≥50% LDL-C reductions with PCSK9is. Fewer achieved LDL-C <1.8mmol/L and <1.4mmol/L targets. PCSK9is in combination with other LLT achieved targets more often compared to PCSK9i monotherapy. Achievement of recommended lipid targets may require greater use of PCSK9i combination therapies.

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Published

2022-06-29

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Original Research