Nam Xuan Vo1, Huong Lai Pham1, Tan Trong Bui2, Tien Thuy Bui3
1.Faculty of Pharmacy, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 2.Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 3.Faculty of Pharmacy, Le Van Thinh Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Purpose: Dyslipidemia, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), is marked by abnormal lipid levels, such as the elevated lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Statins are the first-line treatment for LDL-C reduction. Pitavastatin (PIT) has shown potential in lowering LDL-C and improving high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). This review assesses pitavastatin's efficacy, effectiveness, and safety in dyslipidemia management in Asia.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases up to November 2024, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Seventeen studies (12 RCTs and 5 non-RCTs) were analyzed, focusing on LDL-C reduction, safety profiles, and adverse events. The quality of the studies was assessed using checklists to ensure the selection of the best studies and to limit bias.
Results: Pitavastatin doses (1-4 mg) reduced LDL-C by 28-47%, comparable to atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin. The 2 mg dose matched atorvastatin's 10 mg dose in efficacy for both short-term (35-42%) and long-term (28-36%) use. LDL-C target achievement rates were 75-95%. Adverse events, including mild myalgia and elevated liver enzymes, were rare, and discontinuation rates were low.
Conclusions: Pitavastatin is an effective and safe alternative to traditional statins for dyslipidemia management in Asia. Further research on long-term outcomes and high-risk groups is warranted.
Source: Healthcare (Basel). Volume 13, Issue 1, Article 59.
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13010059.