title: Effectiveness of low-dose lovastatin in lowering serum cholesterol. Experience with 56 patients.
abstract: This study reviews the progress of 56 consecutive patients with type IIa and IIb hyperlipoproteinemia following treatment with lovastatin. Lovastatin, a potent inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, has been shown to have a cholesterol-lowering effect in doses ranging from 10 to 80 mg/d. Thus far, however, no large study has been performed to show the effectiveness of low-dose lovastatin (20 mg/d) for more than a 6-week duration. Fifty-six patients with known coronary artery disease were prospectively studied, with fasting lipid values being measured at baseline and after 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks of 20-mg/d lovastatin therapy given as a single evening dose. The total cholesterol level fell 26% from a mean baseline of 8.12 mmol/L (314 mg/dL) and triglyceride levels fell by 12% from a mean baseline of 2.46 mmol/L. The high-density lipoprotein levels increased 7.6%. One patient with known preexisting liver disease was withdrawn from the study owing to an asymptomatic significant rise in liver function test results; one subject complaining of proximal muscle weakness was also withdrawn. The maximal decrease in total cholesterol level occurred within 6 weeks of initiation of therapy. We conclude that low-dose (20-mg/d) lovastatin was effective in lowering serum cholesterol levels in patients with primary type IIa or IIb hyperlipoproteinemia with minimal short-term side effects. Further studies are needed to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of this drug.
authors.affiliation: West Virginia University School of Medicine, Charleston Division.
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Bates
authors.forename: S G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Warren
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Grubb
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chillag
mesh_terms: D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006938:Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008148:Lovastatin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002784:Cholesterol; D008148:Lovastatin