BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have emerged as an effective treatment option. This study aims to investigate the lipid profile in the long-term follow-up of dyslipidemic patients receiving PCSK9 inhibitor therapy in an entirely outpatient setting.
METHODS: We enrolled 381 patients from our dyslipidemia outpatient clinic. Study population included both patients with a first dyslipidemia visit and those discharged from a cardiology unit with fast fast-track protocol. Patients were followed up at 6 (n = 252), 12 (n = 191), and 36 months (n = 77) to assess the effects of PCSK9 inhibitor therapy on lipid profile.
RESULTS: At the 6-month follow-up, the total cholesterol levels decreased significantly (223.1±35.2 mg/dL vs 129.6±31.9 mg/dL p < 0.001) as LDL cholesterol levels (148±45 vs 72.6±46 mg/dL p < 0.001). The 12-month follow-up maintained similar levels of lowering (total cholesterol 123.6±39 mg/dL LDL 67.5±41 mg/dL p < 0.001) as well as the 36-month follow-up (total cholesterol 138.1±43 mg/dL LDL 71.6±44 mg/dL p < 0.001). No significant reductions in triglycerides and HDL levels were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the feasibility and effectiveness of the long-term management of dyslipidemic patients with PCSK9 hypercholesterolemia in an entirely outpatient setting, including patients referred through the fast-track protocol.
