Date of Award
Spring 2021
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Amanda Seymour, MS, PA-C
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited condition that causes patients to have significantly increased levels of LDL cholesterol, which often leads to coronary artery disease. Statin medications are typically prescribed to treat this condition, however these medications have adverse side effects and often subpar efficacy in this patient population. Evidence collected in this literature review yielded evidence that the use of PCSK9 inhibitors in the treatment of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia may be efficacious. Many of these studies were able to show statistically significant improvement of LDL-C and decrease in cardiovascular risk when compared to placebo. In addition, this medication was found to be tolerated well without adverse side effects, most notably in patients with a statin intolerance. Although more research is needed, PCSK9 inhibitors seem to be efficacious compared to standard of care in improving LDL-C and lowering the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.
Recommended Citation
Warshany, Nichole, "Efficacy of PCSK9 Inhibitors Compared to Standard of Care in Improving the Low-density-lipoprotein Cholesterol and Lowering the Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia" (2021). Capstone Showcase. 100.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2021/pa/100
Efficacy of PCSK9 Inhibitors Compared to Standard of Care in Improving the Low-density-lipoprotein Cholesterol and Lowering the Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited condition that causes patients to have significantly increased levels of LDL cholesterol, which often leads to coronary artery disease. Statin medications are typically prescribed to treat this condition, however these medications have adverse side effects and often subpar efficacy in this patient population. Evidence collected in this literature review yielded evidence that the use of PCSK9 inhibitors in the treatment of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia may be efficacious. Many of these studies were able to show statistically significant improvement of LDL-C and decrease in cardiovascular risk when compared to placebo. In addition, this medication was found to be tolerated well without adverse side effects, most notably in patients with a statin intolerance. Although more research is needed, PCSK9 inhibitors seem to be efficacious compared to standard of care in improving LDL-C and lowering the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.