Regression growth evaluation statin study (REGRESS): study design and baseline characteristics in 600 patients. The REGRESS Research Group.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of lipid lowering, using a hydroxymethyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (pravastatin) in symptomatic men with coronary artery disease. To assess follow-up intervention modes and baseline cardiovascular risk factors in men after routine diagnostic coronary arteriography which showed a significant stenosis (at least 50%) in a major segment.


METHODS
Baseline characteristics are stated in a multicentre, prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial entitled 'regression growth evaluation statin study' (REGRESS).


METHODS
Seven university hospitals and four referral hospitals in The Netherlands.


METHODS
The baseline characteristics are given for the initial 600 patients who entered the REGRESS trial. All patients were 'normocholesterolemic' and suffered from symptomatic coronary artery disease.


METHODS
Initial follow-up treatment was analyzed after coronary arteriography, in accordance with standardized clinical practice (angioplasty, bypass grafting or medical management only).


RESULTS
In contrast to routine procedures, 44% of the patient population was found in the medical management only stratum, whereas 32% was found in the coronary bypass graft and 24% in the percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty stratum. No major coronary cardiovascular risk factor could explain the decision to perform a certain follow-up intervention. Overall patients showed a low serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level. A higher New York Heart Association classification for anginal complaints tended to favour a more aggressive follow-up approach.


CONCLUSIONS
The total REGRESS population showed relatively low HDL cholesterol blood levels compared with the general Dutch population. The rationale to perform a specific follow-up intervention by the treating cardiologist is unclear. Severity of anginal complaints may lead to a more active intervention procedure.
Barth
J D
JD
Interuniversity Cardiology Institute Netherlands, Utrecht.
Zonjee
M M
MM
D000368:Aged; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands; D017035:Pravastatin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012107:Research Design; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D017035:Pravastatin