Safety of Atorvastatin in Patients With Stable Systemic Autoimmune Myopathies A Pilot Longitudinal Study

Author(s)

Pires Borges, Isabela Bruna ^[1] ; de Oliveira, Diego Sales ^[1] ; Misse, Rafael Giovani ^[1] ; dos Santos, Alexandre Moura ^[1] ; Costa Hong, Valeria Aparecida ^[2] ; Bortolotto, Luiz Aparecido ^[2] ; Shinjo, Samuel Katsuyuki ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med FMUSP, Div Rheumatol, SP Av Dr Arnaldo 455, 3 Andar, Sala 3150, BR-01246903 Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med, Hosp Clin HCFMUSP, Hypertens Unit, Inst Coracao, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JCR-JOURNAL OF CLINICAL RHEUMATOLOGY; v. 27, n. 6, p. S236-S241, SEP 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

Background/Objective: Patients with systemic autoimmune myopathies (SAMs) have high prevalence of dyslipidemia and, consequently, possible endothelial dysfunction and vascular stiffness. Our objective was to evaluate the possible benefits on endothelial function and vascular stiffness, as well as adverse effects of atorvastatin in SAMs. Methods: Apilot longitudinal, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted. Twenty-four of 242 patients were randomized at a 2:1 ratio to receive atorvastatin (20 mg/d) or placebo for a period of 12 weeks. Demographic data, comorbidities, and clinical and laboratory parameters, as well as endothelial function and arterial stiffness, were evaluated. Results: Of the 24 randomized patients, 4 patients were excluded, with remaining 20 patients (14 in the atorvastatin group and 6 in the placebo group). The mean age of the patients was 49.0 years, and 75% of the patients were female. At baseline, the demographic data, disease status, treatment, cardiovascular comorbidities, and risk factors were comparable between the atorvastatin and placebo groups. After 12 weeks of follow-up of atorvastatin therapy, no improvements were observed for endothelial function and arterial stiffness in either group (p > 0.05). As expected, a significant reduction in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels was observed. During the study, no clinical intercurrences or disease relapses were observed in either group. Conclusions: The atorvastatin drug attenuated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol without worsening clinical outcomes in SAMs. No change was observed for endothelial function and arterial stiffness. Additional studies, with long-term follow-up time and different atorvastatin dosage, are needed to corroborate the results of this study. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 16/19771-5 - Effects of physical training in lipid content and insulin resistance in skeletal muscle of patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: randomized controlled trial
• Grantee: Diego Sales de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 16/23574-0 - Effects of physical training in endothelial function and functional properties of large arteries in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: A randomized controlled trial
• Grantee: Rafael Giovani Misse
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 18/08735-3 - Aerobic capacity and strength exercise in Takayasu's arteritis: relationships and impacts on clinical, laboratory and vascular end points
• Grantee: Alexandre Moura dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• FAPESP's process: 17/13109-1 - Impact of physical training on resistance to insulin action, lipid content, angiogenesis and fibrogenesis of skeletal muscle in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
• Grantee: Samuel Katsuyuki Shinjo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/20371-1 - Effect of lipid-lowering drugs on endothelial function and vascular stiffness in patients with dermatomyositis and polymyositis: a prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial
• Grantee: Isabela Bruna Pires Borges
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master