title: [Utility of treatment with atorvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg versus atorvastatin 80 mg in reducing the levels of LDL cholesterol in patients with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  After an ischaemic stroke, to reduce LDL cholesterol (LDLc) levels decreases the risk of recurrence. The risk of recurrence is lower with more intense reductions in LDLc levels.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy and security of atorvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg after ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively evaluated stroke or TIA patients admitted to our hospital who received atorvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg (n = 34) or atorvastatin 80 mg (n = 52) at discharge. We analyzed changes in lipid parameters and established as a primary outcome LDLc <= 70 mg/dL and/or reduction in LDLc >= 50%. Furthermore, safety parameters were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Predictors associated with primary outcome achievement were treatment with atorvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg (odds ratio: 11.94; 95% CI: 2.82-50.64; p = 0.001) and male (odds ratio: 4.76; 95% CI: 1.35-16.67; p = 0.02). Treatment with atorvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg achieved significantly greater reductions in LDLc (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.001) and non-HDLc (p < 0.001). Both treatments were safe and well tolerated, with a low number of secondary effects.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Compared with atorvastatin 80 mg, atorvastatin 40 mg plus ezetimibe 10 mg increases the likelihood of achieving LDLc goals after ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Both treatments were safe and well tolerated.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Espana.
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Palacio
authors.affiliation: Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Espana.
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Viadero-Cervera
authors.affiliation: Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Espana.
authors.forename: Marián
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Revilla
authors.affiliation: Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Espana.
authors.forename: Davinia
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Larrosa-Campo
authors.affiliation: Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Espana.
authors.forename: Olga
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Acha-Salazar
authors.affiliation: Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Espana.
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Novo-Robledo
authors.affiliation: Hospital Universitario Marques de Valdecilla, Santander, Espana.
authors.forename: Agustín
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Oterino
mesh_terms: D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D000069059:Atorvastatin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000097:blood* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D000069438:Ezetimibe / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002546:Ischemic Attack, Transient / Q000097:blood* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D020521:Stroke / Q000097:blood* / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D000069059:Atorvastatin; D000069438:Ezetimibe