Ezetimibe in the treatment of patients with metabolic diseases

Abstract

Dyslipidaemia is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. While statin therapy remains the most important component of dyslipidaemia management, substantial proportion of patients on statin mono-therapy fail to achieve guideline recommended lipid levels. Ezetimibe is a second-line lipid-lowering agent that reduces sterol absorption and has a favourable effect on lipid profile. This article reviews studies examining the role of ezetimibe on lipid profile, metabolic biomarkers and cardiovascular outcomes in individuals with metabolic diseases. Special focus is given to studies in patients with dyslipidaemia, Type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome. The controversy surrounding the role of ezetimibe in mitigating atherosclerosis is also highlighted. The article concludes that the ezetimibe-statin combination improves lipid parameters and helps attain guideline-recommended lipid goals in patients with metabolic diseases. However, further research is needed to better understand the role of ezetimibe mono-therapy, and the impact of ezetimibe on clinical cardiovascular outcomes. © Touch medical media 2013.