Dose-Dependent Effect of Hydroxymethylglutaryl – Coenzyme A Reductase Inhibitor on Serum Cholesterol with Limited Dietary Restrictions: A Case Study

Hydroxymethylglutaryl–coenzyme A (HMG–CoA) reductase inhibitor (pravastatin sodium) can selectively inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver and may lower serum cholesterol concentrations even where there are no particular dietary restrictions. A 72-year old housewife with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus complicated by hyperlipaemia type IIb, who did not follow directions for diet therapy or kinesitherapy, was administered HMG–CoA reductase inhibitor. The initial dose of 10 mg/day HMG–CoA reductase inhibitor was increased by 10 mg/day every 4 weeks to 30 mg/day, maintained at 30 mg/day for 8 weeks and then reduced gradually until discontinuation after a further 27 weeks. Test results showed the changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apoprotein B to be dose-dependent. The findings represent the first clinical evidence that hypercholesterolaemia can be adequately managed by the use of HMG–CoA reductase inhibitor, even when no specific dietary restrictions are imposed, and may contribute to improvements in the quality of daily life for many patients suffering from hyperlipaemia type IIb.