E. Moutzouri, A. Kei, M. Elisaf
Abstract
Introduction: A growing body of evidence points towards mean platelet volume as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Statins are the cornerstone of lipid lowering treatment and are associated with improved outcomes either in primary or secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. This benefit has been attributed not only to their lipid-lowering effects, but also to various pleiotropic properties. Ezetimibe is a newer hypolipidemic treatment, which effectively reduces LDL-cholesterol. Treatment with ezetimibe plus a low statin-dose is common in everyday clinical practice and induces similar or even greater reductions in LDL-C compared with a higher statin dose.
Objective: To compare the effects of simvastatin 40 mg or simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg, daily on mean platelet volume levels in dyslipidemic patients.
Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint (PROBE) study. After a 3-month period of lifestyle changes patients (n=100) with LDL-cholesterol levels above those recommended by the NCEP ATP III based on each patient risk factors, were randomly allocated to open-label simvastatin 40 mg (n=50) or simvastatin/ezetimibe 10/10 mg (n=50) daily. Both groups were similar with regard to demographics, risk factors, medications and baseline lipid values. Mean platelet volume was blindly assessed at baseline and 3 months post-treatment in both groups.
Results: Both simvastatin 40 mg and simvastatin 10 mg with ezetimibe 10 mg daily for 12 weeks did not affect mean platelet volume (from 10.9 ± 0.6 fl to 10.9 ± 0.6 fl and from 11.1 ± 0.9 fl to 11.2 ± 0.9 fl, respectively, p=NS versus baseline, p=NS between groups).
Keywords: simvastatin, ezetimibe, mean platelet volume, platelets