title: Treating to target patients with primary hyperlipidaemia: comparison of the effects of ATOrvastatin and ROSuvastatin (the ATOROS study).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In a 24-week, open-label, randomized, parallel-group study, we compared the efficacy and metabolic effects, beyond low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering, of atorvastatin (ATV) and rosuvastatin (RSV) in cardiovascular disease-free subjects with primary hyperlipidaemia, treated to an LDL-C target (130 mg/dL).
  
  
  METHODS
  After a 6-week dietary lead-in period, patients were randomized to RSV 10 mg/day (n = 60) or ATV 20 mg/day (n = 60). After 6 weeks on treatment the dose of the statin was increased (to RSV 20 mg/day or ATV 40 mg/day) if the treatment goal was not achieved. A control group of healthy volunteers (n = 60) was also included for the validation of baseline serum and urinary laboratory parameters. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients reaching the LDL-C goal; secondary outcomes were changes in lipid and non-lipid metabolic parameters.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 45 patients (75.0%) in the RSV-treated group and 43 (71.7%) in the ATV-treated group achieved the treatment target at the initial dose. Both regimens were generally well tolerated and there were no withdrawals due to treatment-related serious adverse events. Similar significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-C, apolipoprotein (apo) B, triglycerides, apoB/apoA1 ratio, fibrinogen and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were seen. RSV had a significant high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)-raising effect and showed a trend towards increasing apoA1 levels. Glycaemic control and renal function parameters were not influenced by statin therapy. ATV, but not RSV, showed a significant hypouricaemic effect.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RSV and ATV were equally efficacious in achieving LDL-C treatment goals in patients with primary hyperlipidaemia at the initial dose and following dose titration. RSV seems to have a significantly higher HDL-C-raising effect, while ATV lowers serum uric acid levels.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Greece. hmilioni@ccuoi.gr
authors.forename: Haralampos J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Milionis
authors.forename: Evangelos
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rizos
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kostapanos
authors.forename: Theodosios D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Filippatos
authors.forename: Irene F
authors.initials: IF
authors.lastname: Gazi
authors.forename: Emmanuel S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Ganotakis
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Goudevenos
authors.forename: Dimitri P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Mikhailidis
authors.forename: Moses S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Elisaf
mesh_terms: D000069059:Atorvastatin; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005464:Fluorobenzenes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006538:Heptanoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011758:Pyrroles / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000068718:Rosuvastatin Calcium; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D001798:Blood Proteins; D005464:Fluorobenzenes; D006538:Heptanoic Acids; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D011743:Pyrimidines; D011758:Pyrroles; D013449:Sulfonamides; D014280:Triglycerides; D000068718:Rosuvastatin Calcium; D000069059:Atorvastatin