Rosuvastatin reduces plaque size and changes composition
Plaque rupture may lead to MI or stroke |
Impact of rosuvastatin (Crestor) on the size and composition of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries has been shown by magnetic resonance imaging in the first trial of its kind. Data from the study were presented by AstraZeneca in London last week.
The study involved 35 patients with moderate hypercholesterolaemia and
asymptomatic atherosclerosis. Each received either 5mg or 40mg of rosuvastatin
daily for two years (the recommended starting dose is 10mg). Low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol was reduced by 39 per cent and 58 per cent, respectively.
The MRI showed that rosuvastatin also reduced the proportion of lipid-rich
necrotic core in a plaque — a characteristic believed to make plaques
vulnerable to rupture, which can result in myocardial infarction and
stroke. The 40mg dose of rosuvastatin reduced this necrotic core by 35.5
per cent (P<0.006). In addition, 75 per cent of plaques in the 5mg
group and 90 per cent of plaques in the 40mg group showed regression
over the two years.
Studies are under way to assess the effect of rosuvastatin on clinical
outcomes. |
The
Pharmaceutical Journal
Acrobat
Reader