Response to Statin Plus Ezetimibe or Statin Monotherapy by Sex
Author Information
Author(s): Abramson Beth L, Benlian Pascale, Hanson Mary E, Lin Jianxin, Shah Arvind, Tershakovec Andrew M
Primary Institution: St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hypothesis
Are there sex-related differences in the response to lipid-lowering treatments among hyperlipidemic patients?
Conclusion
Small sex-related differences may exist in response to lipid-lowering treatment, which could impact the management of hypercholesterolemia in women.
Supporting Evidence
- Women reported more adverse events related to gall-bladder and gastrointestinal issues compared to men.
- Men experienced greater reductions in LDL-C with ezetimibe plus statin compared to women.
- Women had higher baseline levels of hs-CRP than men, which may affect treatment outcomes.
Takeaway
This study looked at how men and women respond differently to cholesterol-lowering medications, finding that women might not be treated as effectively as men.
Methodology
Data from 27 double-blind studies were pooled, comparing the effects of statin monotherapy and statin plus ezetimibe on lipid levels in men and women.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to underrepresentation of women in clinical trials and differences in baseline characteristics.
Limitations
The study may not account for all variables affecting lipid levels, and the clinical relevance of small differences is debatable.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 11,295 men and 10,499 women, with varying ages and health conditions.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.0066 for LDL-C changes in men vs. women
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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