Real-world data on metabolic effects of PCSK9 inhibitors in a tertiary care center in patients with and without diabetes mellitus

Background The lipid-lowering and positive cardiovascular effect of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors was shown in several studies, hence, they are more widely used in the lipid-lowering management of individuals with high cardiovascular risk. As real-world data are still scarce, specifically in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), the aim of this retrospective analysis was to investigate the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors in lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in an outpatient clinic of a tertiary care center in routine care. Methods A retrospective analysis of data extracted from the electronic patient record was performed. Patients who were routinely prescribed with PCSK9 inhibitor therapy (alirocumab or evolocumab) during the years 2016 and 2019 were included in the analysis. Characteristics of the patient population, the effects on LDL-C and HbA1c levels as well as subsequent cardiovascular events were assessed over an observation period of 18 months. Results We identified 237 patients treated with PCSK9 inhibitors between January 2016 and September 2019. Almost all patients (97.5%) received PCSK9 inhibitors for secondary prevention. 26.2% of the population had a concomitant diabetes diagnosis. Intolerance to statins (83.1%), ezetimibe (44.7%) or both agents (42.6%) was reported frequently. Three months after initiation of PCSK9 inhibitor therapy, 61.2% of the patients achieved LDL-C levels < 70 mg/dl, and 44.1% LDL-C levels < 55 mg/dl. The median LDL-C was lowered from 141 mg/dl at baseline, to 60 mg/dl after 3 months and 66 mg/dl after 12 months indicating a reduction of LDL-C as follows: 57.5% after 3 months and 53.6% after 12 months. After 3 months of observation, target achievement of LDL-C was higher in patients with T2D compared to non-diabetes patients; < 55 mg/dl: 51% vs. 41.5%; < 70 mg/dl 69.4 vs. 58.5%. After 12 months even more pronounced target LDL achievement in T2D was demonstrated < 55 mg/dl: 58.8% vs. 30.1%; < 70 mg/dl 70.6 vs. 49.6%. Patients with insufficiently controlled T2D (HbA1c > 54 mmol/mol) had a higher reduction in LDL-C but still were more likely to subsequent cardiovascular events. Conclusions Significant reductions in LDL-C and a high percentage of patients achieving recommended treatment targets were observed. The percentage of patients with T2D meeting recommended LDL-C targets was higher than in those without T2D. Still some patients did not achieve LDL-C levels as recommended in current guidelines. Special attention to the characteristics of these patients is required in the future to enable achievement of treatment goals and avoid adverse cardiovascular outcomes.