Publication
Effectiveness, Adherence, and Safety of Evolocumab in a Swiss Multicenter Prospective Observational Study
Journal Paper/Review - Nov 18, 2021
Nanchen David, Reichert Nina, Rossi Mariagrazia, Crljenica Carmela, Mueller Christian, Mach François, Koskinas Konstantinos C, Rickli Hans, Bilz Stefan, Carballo David, Sudano Isabella
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
INTRODUCTION
The aims of this study were to describe patient characteristics, lipid parameters, lipid-lowering drug use, and safety of patients receiving evolocumab in a real-world clinical setting.
METHODS
We conducted a 1-year multicenter observational study of adults using evolocumab with confirmed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) or at high cardiovascular risk, and elevated LDL-C despite maximally tolerated statin doses. An e-health application optionally supported patient management. The primary outcome was change in lipid parameters over time. The secondary outcomes included evolocumab safety.
RESULTS
Of 100 participants, 81% had pre-existing CVD, 71% self-reported statin-related muscle symptoms, 44% received statins. All patients received evolocumab, 65% were PCSK9i pre-treated at baseline. PCSK9i-naïve patients achieved a mean LDL-C reduction of 60% within 3 months of evolocumab treatment, which was maintained thereafter; 74% achieved LDL-C < 1.8 mmol/L at least once during observation, 69% attained < 1.4 mmol/L. In PCSK9i pre-treated patients, LDL-C remained stable throughout; 79% and 74% attained < 1.8 mmol/L and < 1.4 mmol/L, respectively, at least once. Goal attainment was higher with any combination of evolocumab, statin, and/or ezetimibe. Overall, 89% self-reported full evolocumab adherence. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) were reported in 30% of patients, two serious TEAEs occurred in one patient; three patients discontinued evolocumab because of TEAEs.
CONCLUSION
In real-world clinical practice, evolocumab was mainly used in patients with statin intolerance and pre-existing CVD. In this population, adherence to evolocumab and low LDL-C levels were maintained over 1 year, with better LDL-C goal achievement in patients using evolocumab in combination with other lipid-lowering drugs. Safety of evolocumab was similar to that documented in randomized controlled trials.