Abstract | BACKGROUND: We previously demonstrated in a randomized placebo-controlled trial that 2-year pravastatin treatment induced a significant regression of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in 8- to 18-year-old children with familial hypercholesterolemia. Subsequently, we continued to follow up these children to explore the relation between the age of statin initiation and carotid IMT after follow-up on statin treatment. We also examined safety aspects of statin therapy during this long-term follow-up. METHODS AND RESULTS: All 214 children who initially participated in the previous placebo-controlled study were eligible for the follow-up study. After completion of the placebo-controlled study, all children continued treatment with pravastatin 20 or 40 mg, depending on their age. Blood samples were taken on a regular basis for lipids and safety parameters, and a carotid IMT measurement was performed after an average treatment period of 4.5 years. Follow-up data for 186 children were available for the statistical analyses. Multivariate analyses revealed that age at statin initiation was an independent predictor for carotid IMT after follow-up with adjustment for carotid IMT at initiation of statin treatment, sex, and duration of treatment. Early initiation of statin treatment was associated with a subsequently smaller IMT. Furthermore, no serious laboratory adverse events were reported during follow-up, and statin treatment had no untoward effects on sexual maturation. CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | Jessica Rodenburg, Maud N Vissers, Albert Wiegman, A S Paul van Trotsenburg, Anouk van der Graaf, Eric de Groot, Frits A Wijburg, John J P Kastelein, Barbara A Hutten |
Journal | Circulation
(Circulation)
Vol. 116
Issue 6
Pg. 664-8
(Aug 07 2007)
ISSN: 1524-4539 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 17664376
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Age Factors
- Child
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
(therapeutic use)
- Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II
(drug therapy, epidemiology)
- Male
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