title: Effects of statin monotherapy versus statin plus ezetimibe combination on serum uric acid levels.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Uric acid is considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The effect of statins and ezetimibe on serum uric acid levels has not been yet clarified.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effect of simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg, simvastatin 40 mg, and rosuvastatin 10 mg daily on serum uric acid levels in patients with dyslipidemia.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded end point (PROBE) study. Following a 3-month dietary intervention, patients with hypercholesterolemia received simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg or simvastatin 40 mg or rosuvastatin 10 mg. Changes in serum levels of uric acid and fractional renal excretion of uric acid as well as changes in electrolyte and renal function parameters were assessed after 12 weeks of treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred fifty-three patients (56 male) were included. At week 12, a significant reduction in serum uric acid levels was seen in all treatment groups (simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg: -3.8%, simvastatin 40 mg: -5.7%, and rosuvastatin 10 mg: -3.8%; P < .05 compared with baseline; P = not significant [NS] for comparison between groups). Fractional excretion of uric acid nonsignificantly increased in all groups (simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg: +6.8%, simvastatin 40 mg: +6.8%, and rosuvastatin 10 mg: +5.9%). The reduction in serum uric acid levels correlated with the increase in fractional excretion of uric acid and baseline uric acid levels. Renal function parameters as well as serum levels and fractional excretions of electrolytes remained unchanged in all groups. Changes in serum lipids were similar across groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg, simvastatin 40 mg, and rosuvastatin 10 mg exhibit a similar uric acid-lowering effect.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece. egepi@cc.uoi.gr
authors.forename: Elisavet
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Moutzouri
authors.forename: Evangelos N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Liberopoulos
authors.forename: Matilda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Florentin
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Liamis
authors.forename: Moses S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Elisaf
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001384:Azetidines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D000069438:Ezetimibe; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D001384:Azetidines; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D014527:Uric Acid; D000069438:Ezetimibe