Reduction in Revascularization With Icosapent Ethyl: Insights From REDUCE-IT Revascularization Analyses

A functional cardiac patch with "gas and ion" dual-effect intervention for reconstructing blood microcirculation in myocardial infarction repair

Postinfarction revascularization is critical for repairing the infarcted myocardium and for stopping disease progression. Considering the limitations of surgical intervention, engineered cardiac patches (ECPs) are more effective in establishing rich blood supply networks. For efficacy, ECPs should promote the formation of more mature blood vessels to improve microcirculatory dysfunction and mitigate hypoxia-induced apoptosis. Developing collateral circulation between infarcted myocardium and ECPs for restoring blood perfusion remains a challenge. Here, an ion-conductive composite ECPs (GMA@OSM) with powerful angiogenesis-promoting ability was constructed. Based on dual-effect intervention of oxygen and strontium, the developed ECPs can promote the formation of high-density circulating microvascular network at the infarcted myocardium. In addition, the GMA@OSM possesses effective reactive oxygen species-scavenging capacity and can facilitate electrophysiological repair of myocardium with ionic conductivity. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that the multifunctional GMA@OSM ECPs form well-developed collateral circulation with infarcted myocardium to protect cardiomyocytes and improve cardiac function. Overall, this study highlights the potential of a multifunctional platform for developing collateral circulation, which can lead to an effective therapeutic strategy for repairing myocardial infarction.

Assessing Omega-3 Therapy and Its Cardiovascular Benefits: What About Icosapent Ethyl? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Lipid-lowering therapies are an option for stabilizing lipid levels. Icosapent ethyl (IPE) is a highly purified formulation of eicosapentaenoic acid, which can reduce lipid action, improve plaque stabilization, reduce platelet aggregation, lower TG, and prevent cardiovascular events. IPE is frequently used with statins to manage elevated TG levels. However, the evidence on IPE as a lipid-lowering agent is limited, and no updated systematic review and meta-analysis have been published considering the recent advancements in the field and newly published studies. Therefore, we aim to fill this gap. Methods: We used the PRISMA guidelines and the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome) framework to conduct this review, aiming to answer the question, "Can IPE benefit patients at cardiovascular risk?" GRADE was used to evaluate evidence levels to adhere to the highest criteria. Results: Predominantly, the evaluated population presented TG levels between ≥135 mg/dL and 500 mg/dL and LDL-C levels between >40 mg/dL and ≤100 mg/dL. The included studies showed a reduction in TG and LDL-C and a decrease in cardiovascular events. It means that, according to our systematic review evidence analysis, IPE has been effective in lowering blood lipid levels, including TG, and reducing cardiovascular death and events, such as non-fatal stroke or hospitalization for unstable angina. However, it is worth noting that these results were primarily from patients undergoing statin therapy. According to our meta-analysis, IPE may not be considered a lipid-lowering drug, as limited action associated with its use was evident in the quantitative results. However, caution is necessary, as only two studies were suitable for inclusion due to the differing outcomes in the analyzed samples. Conclusions: Despite the quantitative synthesis, IPE possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, and anti-atherogenic properties, highly related to cardiovascular protection. Based on our included studies, IPE was considered a promising therapy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in conjunction with other lipid-lowering therapies, particularly statins, for patients with extremely high TG levels. The limitations of the reviewed studies may include small sample sizes, varying outcomes, and a small duration of interventions. Future clinical trials with similar outcomes, sample sizes, and intervention durations must be designed, and updated meta-analyses must be published in the following years to fully assess the effects of IPE as a lipid-lowering and cardiovascular protector drug.

Cardiovascular Outcomes With Icosapent Ethyl by Baseline Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Secondary Analysis of the REDUCE-IT Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of icosapent ethyl among patients with very well-controlled baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is unknown.

METHODS

In this post hoc analysis of the REDUCE-IT (Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial) randomized clinical trial, statin-treated patients with high cardiovascular risk, elevated triglycerides (135-499 mg/dL), and baseline LDL-C of 41 to 100 mg/dL were included. Patients were randomized to icosapent ethyl (2 g twice daily) or placebo and then post hoc stratified by baseline LDL-C (<55 mg/dL versus ≥55 mg/dL). The primary composite end point included cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, coronary revascularization, or unstable angina.

RESULTS

Among 8175 patients with baseline LDL-C data, 7117 (87.1%) had LDL-C ≥55 mg/dL and 1058 (12.9%) had LDL-C <55 mg/dL. In patients with LDL-C <55 mg/dL, the rate of the primary composite end point was lower in the icosapent ethyl group (16.2% versus 22.8%) than in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66 [95% CI, 0.50-0.87]; absolute risk reduction, 6.6%; P=0.003). Among patients with LDL-C ≥55 mg/dL, a primary composite end point event occurred in a lower proportion of patients in the icosapent ethyl group (17.4% versus 21.9%) than in the placebo group (HR, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.69-0.85]; absolute risk reduction, 4.5%; P<0.0001). No significant interaction was observed between baseline LDL-C and treatment group (P for interaction=0.40). Findings were consistent among secondary cardiovascular end points and in sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Among statin-treated patients with elevated triglycerides and high cardiovascular risk, icosapent ethyl reduced the rate of cardiovascular end points irrespective of baseline LDL-C, including among eligible patients with optimal LDL-C control.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01492361.

Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on coronary revascularization and cardiovascular events: a meta-analysis

AIMS

Benefits of pharmacologic omega-3 fatty acid administration in cardiovascular prevention are controversial. Particularly, effects on coronary revascularization are unclear; also debated are specific benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). We investigated incident coronary revascularizations, myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, heart failure (HF), unstable angina, and cardiovascular death, in subjects randomized to receive EPA or EPA + docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA) vs. control.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted after MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library search. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines were followed for abstracting data and assessing data quality and validity. Data were pooled using a random effects model. Eighteen RCTs with 134 144 participants (primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention) receiving DHA + EPA (n = 52 498), EPA alone (n = 14 640), or control/placebo (n = 67 006) were included. Follow-up ranged from 4.5 months to 7.4 years. Overall, compared with controls, omega-3 supplementation reduced the risk of revascularization [0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84-0.98; P = 0.001; P-heterogeneity = 0.0002; I2 = 68%], MI (0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.98; P = 0.02; P-heterogeneity = 0.06; I2 = 41%), and cardiovascular death (0.92, 95% CI 0.85-0.99; P = 0.02; P-heterogeneity = 0.13; I2 = 33%). Lower risk was still observed in trials where most participants (≥60%) were on statin therapy. Compared with DHA + EPA, EPA alone showed a further significant risk reduction of revascularizations (0.76, 95% CI 0.65-0.88; P = 0.0002; P-interaction = 0.005) and all outcomes except HF.

CONCLUSION

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduced the risk of cardiovascular events and coronary revascularization, regardless of background statin use. Eicosapentaenoic acid alone produced greater benefits. The role of specific omega-3 molecules in primary vs. secondary prevention and the potential benefits of reduced revascularizations on overall health status and cost savings warrant further research.

Omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular event lowering

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is the main target for therapeutics aimed at reducing the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and downstream cardiovascular (CV) events. However, multiple studies have demonstrated that high-risk patient populations harbour residual risk despite effective LDL-C lowering. While data support the causal relationship between triglycerides and ASCVD risk, triglyceride-lowering therapies such as omega-3 fatty acids have shown mixed results in CV outcomes trials. Notably, icosapent ethyl, a purified formulation of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), has garnered compelling evidence in lowering residual CV risk in patients with hypertriglyceridaemia and treated with statins. In this review, we summarize studies that have investigated omega-3-fatty acids for CV event lowering and discuss the clinical implementation of these agents based on trial data and guidelines.

Do patients benefit from omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids (O3FAs) possess beneficial properties for cardiovascular (CV) health and elevated O3FA levels are associated with lower incident risk for CV disease (CVD.) Yet, treatment of at-risk patients with various O3FA formulations has produced disparate results in large, well-controlled and well-conducted clinical trials. Prescription formulations and fish oil supplements containing low-dose mixtures of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have routinely failed to prevent CV events in primary and secondary prevention settings when added to contemporary care, as shown most recently in the STRENGTH and OMEMI trials. However, as observed in JELIS, REDUCE-IT, and RESPECT-EPA, EPA-only formulations significantly reduce CVD events in high-risk patients. The CV mechanism of action of EPA, while certainly multifaceted, does not depend solely on reductions of circulating lipids, including triglycerides (TG) and LDL, and event reduction appears related to achieved EPA levels suggesting that the particular chemical and biological properties of EPA, as compared to DHA and other O3FAs, may contribute to its distinct clinical efficacy. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown different effects of EPA compared with DHA alone or EPA/DHA combination treatments, on atherosclerotic plaque morphology, LDL and membrane oxidation, cholesterol distribution, membrane lipid dynamics, glucose homeostasis, endothelial function, and downstream lipid metabolite function. These findings indicate that prescription-grade, EPA-only formulations provide greater benefit than other O3FAs formulations tested. This review summarizes the clinical findings associated with various O3FA formulations, their efficacy in treating CV disease, and their underlying mechanisms of action.

A Practical Approach to the Management of Residual Cardiovascular Risk: United Arab Emirates Expert Consensus Panel on the Evidence for Icosapent Ethyl and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

PURPOSE

Patients with hyperlipidemia treated with statins remain at a residual cardiovascular (CV) risk. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids hold the potential to mitigate the residual CV risk in statin-treated patients, with persistently elevated triglyceride (TG) levels.

METHOD

We reviewed the current evidence on the use of icosapent ethyl (IPE), an omega-3 fatty acid yielding a pure form of eicosapentaenoic acid.

RESULTS

REDUCE-IT reported a significant 25% reduction in CV events, including the need for coronary revascularization, the risk of fatal/nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina, and CV death in patients on IPE, unseen with other omega-3 fatty acids treatments. IPE was effective in all patients regardless of baseline CV risk enhancers (TG levels, type-2 diabetes status, weight status, prior revascularization, or renal function). Adverse events (atrial fibrillation/flutter) related to IPE have occurred mostly in patients with prior atrial fibrillation. Yet, the net clinical benefit largely exceeded potential risks. The combination with other omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular DHA, eliminated the effect of EPA alone, as reported in the STRENGTH and OMEMI trials. Adding IPE to statin treatment seems to be cost-effective, especially in the context of secondary prevention of CVD, decreasing CV event frequency and subsequently the use of healthcare resources.

CONCLUSION

Importantly, IPE has been endorsed by 20 international medical societies as a statin add-on treatment in patients with dyslipidemia and high CV risk. Robust medical evidence supports IPE as a pillar in the management of dyslipidemia.

Triglycerides revisited: is hypertriglyceridaemia a necessary therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease?

Despite the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk reduction achieved by low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapy, residual ASCVD risk still exists. Previous epidemiological studies have suggested high plasma triglyceride (TG) levels as a risk factor or risk marker for ASCVD independent of LDL-C levels. In this review, we highlighted the underlying pathophysiology of hypertriglyceridaemia, the mechanistic action of therapeutic agents, the interpretation of conflicting results on recent clinical trials, and the present options for primary and secondary prevention. The benefits of fibrates-induced reduction in TG and increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol might outweigh the disadvantages of increasing LDL-C levels in primary prevention. In secondary CVD prevention, using eicosapentaenoic acid without docosahexaenoic acid, in addition to statins, will be beneficial. This comprehensive review may prove useful for the development of novel approaches that target hypertriglyceridaemia in future.

Marine omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and prevention of cardiovascular disease: update on the randomized trial evidence

To date, the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) is the only large-scale randomized trial of marine omega-3 fatty acid (n-3 FA) supplementation for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in a general population unselected for elevated cardiovascular risk. We review the findings of VITAL, as well as results from recent secondary prevention trials and updated meta-analyses of n-3 FA trials in the primary and secondary prevention of CVD. In VITAL, a nationwide sample of 25 871 US adults aged 50 and older, including 5106 African Americans, were randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial design to n-3 FAs (1 g/day; 1.2:1 ratio of eicosapentaenoic to docosahexaenoic acid) and vitamin D3 (2000 IU/day) for a median of 5.3 years. Compared with an olive oil placebo, the n-3 FA intervention did not significantly reduce the primary endpoint of major CVD events [composite of myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and CVD mortality; hazard ratio (HR) = 0.92 (95% confidence interval 0.80-1.06)] but did significantly reduce total MI [HR = 0.72 (0.59-0.90)], percutaneous coronary intervention [HR = 0.78 (0.63-0.95)], fatal MI [HR = 0.50 (0.26-0.97)], and recurrent (but not first) hospitalization for heart failure [HR = 0.86 (0.74-0.998)]. The intervention neither decreased nor increased risk of atrial fibrillation. African Americans derived the greatest treatment benefit for MI and for recurrent hospitalization for heart failure (P interaction < 0.05 for both outcomes). Meta-analyses that include VITAL and high-risk or secondary prevention n-3 FA trials show coronary, but generally not stroke, risk reduction. More research is needed to determine which individuals may be most likely to derive net benefit. (VITAL clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01169259).

Benefit of icosapent ethyl on coronary physiology assessed by computed tomography angiography fractional flow reserve: EVAPORATE-FFRCT

AIMS

Icosapent ethyl (IPE) significantly reduced ischaemic events in statin-treated patients with atherosclerosis or diabetes and elevated triglycerides in REDUCE-IT, including large reductions in myocardial infarction and elective, urgent, and emergent coronary revascularization. However, the mechanisms driving this clinical benefit are not fully known. The EVAPORATE trial demonstrated that IPE significantly reduced plaque burden. No study to date has assessed the impact of IPE on coronary physiology. Fractional flow reserve (FFR) derived from coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) data sets (FFRCT) applies computational fluid dynamics to calculate FFR values in epicardial coronary arteries. Our objective was to assess the impact of IPE on coronary physiology assessed by FFRCT using imaging data from EVAPORATE.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 47 patients and of 507 coronary lesions at baseline, 9 months, and 18 months with coronary CTA and FFRCT were studied in a blinded core lab. The pre-specified primary endpoint was the FFRCT value in the distal coronary segment from baseline to follow-up in the most diseased vessel per patient using IPE compared with placebo. The pre-specified secondary endpoint was the change in translesional FFRCT (ΔFFRCT) across the most severe (minimum 30% diameter stenosis) coronary lesion per vessel. Baseline FFRCT was similar for IPE compared with placebo (0.83 ± 0.08 vs. 0.84 ± 0.08, P = 0.55). There was significant improvement in the primary endpoint, as IPE improved mean distal segment FFRCT at 9- and 18-month follow-up compared with placebo (0.01 ± 0.05 vs. -0.05 ± 0.09, P = 0.02, and -0.01 ± 0.09 vs. -0.09 ± 0.12, P = 0.03, respectively). ΔFFRCT in 140 coronary lesions was improved, although not statistically significant, with IPE compared with placebo (-0.06 ± 0.08 vs. -0.09 ± 0.1, P = 0.054).

CONCLUSION

Icosapent ethyl demonstrated significant benefits in coronary physiology compared with placebo. This early and sustained improvement in FFRCT at 9- and 18-month follow-up provides mechanistic insight into the clinical benefit observed in the REDUCE-IT trial. Furthermore, this is the first assessment of FFRCT to determine drug effect.

Cardiovascular Benefits of Icosapent Ethyl in Patients With and Without Atrial Fibrillation in REDUCE-IT

Background In REDUCE-IT (Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial), icosapent ethyl (IPE) versus placebo) reduced cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, or unstable angina requiring hospitalization, but was associated with increased atrial fibrillation/atrial flutter (AF) hospitalization (3.1% IPE versus 2.1% placebo; P=0.004). Methods and Results We performed post hoc efficacy and safety analyses of patients with or without prior AF (before randomization) and with or without in-study time-varying AF hospitalization to assess relationships of IPE (versus placebo) and outcomes. In-study AF hospitalization event rates were higher in patients with prior AF (12.5% versus 6.3%, IPE versus placebo; P=0.007) versus without prior AF (2.2% versus 1.6%, IPE versus placebo; P=0.09). Serious bleeding rates trended higher in patients with (7.3% versus 6.0%, IPE versus placebo; P=0.59) versus without prior AF (2.3% versus 1.7%, IPE versus placebo; P=0.08). With IPE, serious bleeding trended higher regardless of prior AF (interaction P value [Pint]=0.61) or postrandomization AF hospitalization (Pint=0.66). Patients with prior AF (n=751, 9.2%) versus without prior AF (n=7428, 90.8%) had similar relative risk reductions of the primary composite and key secondary composite end points with IPE versus placebo (Pint=0.37 and Pint=0.55, respectively). Conclusions In REDUCE-IT, in-study AF hospitalization rates were higher in patients with prior AF especially in those randomized to IPE. Although serious bleeding trended higher in those randomized to IPE versus placebo over the course of the study, serious bleeding was not different regardless of prior AF or in-study AF hospitalization. Patients with prior AF or in-study AF hospitalization had consistent relative risk reductions across primary, key secondary, and stroke end points with IPE. Registration URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01492361; Unique Identifier: NCT01492361.

Treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia with icosapent ethyl in patients with high/very high cardiovascular risk. Consensus document of the Sociedad Española de Cardiología [Spanish Society of Cardiology] and the Sociedad Española de Diabetes [Spanish Diabetes Society]

The Working Groups of Cardiovascular Pharmacotherapy of the Sociedad Española de Cardiología and Cardiovascular Disease of the Sociedad Española de Diabetes have prepared a consensus document on the treatment of hypertriglyceridaemia in patients with high/very-high-cardiovascular risk with icosapent ethyl, a highly purified and stable eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester. This document is necessary since there are differences among the three main omega-3 fatty acids and there is large-scale clinical evidence with icosapent ethyl that demonstrates that in addition to its efficacy in lowering triglyceridaemia, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular events in both patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and in those with type 2 diabetes, with a good safety profile. The number needed to treat to avoid a major cardiovascular event is analysed, comparing it with other pivotal studies of pharmacological intervention in cardiovascular prevention, and an estimate of the Spanish population likely to be treated with ethyl icosapent is carried out. These recommendations are of interest to all clinicians who manage patients with lipid metabolism disorders, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Higher serum triglyceride can predict recurrent coronary revascularization events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with baseline LDL-C <55 mg/dL

Patients with low baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) but experiencing recurrent coronary revascularization events have been rarely investigated. In this retrospective cohort study, we enrolled patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with baseline LDL-C <55 mg/dL at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University between January and December 2017. Subsequent ischemia-driven coronary revascularization events and all-cause death were documented during a 4-year follow-up. Cox analysis was used to evaluate the association between baseline clinical characteristics and long-term events. As a result, among 388 patients (mean age 63 years; 79.1% male) enrolled, 32 patients underwent recurrent revascularization events, and 38 patients occurred all-cause death. After adjustment for age, diabetes mellitus, multi-vessel disease, and lipoprotein(a), multivariate Cox analysis showed that baseline serum triglyceride (TG) (HR 1.691, 95% CI 1.178 to 2.428, p=0.004) was an independent predictor of recurrent coronary revascularization events. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that a higher TG level (≥1.17 mmol/L, determined by receiver operating characteristic curve) was associated with increased risk of recurrent revascularization events than lower TG level (<1.17 mmol/L) (p=0.021). Female (HR 2.647, 95% CI 1.350 to 5.190, p=0.005) and previous atrial fibrillation (HR 3.163, 95% CI 1.403 to 7.132, p=0.006) were associated with increased risk of all-cause death. In conclusion, for patients undergoing PCI with baseline LDL-C <55 mg/dL, higher baseline TG can predict recurrent coronary revascularization events.

Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Cardiovascular Disease: the Debate Continues

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The omega-3 fatty acids (n3-FAs), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), have recently undergone testing for their ability to reduce residual cardiovascular (CV) risk among statin-treated subjects. The outcome trials have yielded highly inconsistent results, perhaps attributable to variations in dosage, formulation, and composition. In particular, CV trials using icosapent ethyl (IPE), a highly purified ethyl ester of EPA, reproducibly reduced CV events and progression of atherosclerosis compared with mixed EPA/DHA treatments. This review summarizes the mechanistic evidence for differences among n3-FAs on the development and manifestations of atherothrombotic disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Large randomized clinical trials with n3-FAs have produced discordant outcomes despite similar patient profiles, doses, and triglyceride (TG)-lowering effects. A large, randomized trial with IPE, a prescription EPA only formulation, showed robust reduction in CV events in statin treated patients in a manner proportional to achieved blood EPA concentrations. Multiple trials using mixed EPA/DHA formulations have not shown such benefits, despite similar TG lowering. These inconsistencies have inspired investigations into mechanistic differences among n3-FAs, as EPA and DHA have distinct membrane interactions, metabolic products, effects on cholesterol efflux, antioxidant properties, and tissue distribution. EPA maintains normal membrane cholesterol distribution, enhances endothelial function, and in combination with statins improves features implicated in plaque stability and reduces lipid content of plaques. Insights into reductions in residual CV risk have emerged from clinical trials using different formulations of n3-FAs. Among high-risk patients on contemporary care, mixed n3-FA formulations showed no reduction in CV events. The distinct benefits of IPE in multiple trials may arise from pleiotropic actions that correlate with on-treatment EPA levels beyond TG-lowering. These effects include altered platelet function, inflammation, cholesterol distribution, and endothelial dysfunction. Elucidating such mechanisms of vascular protection for EPA may lead to new interventions for atherosclerosis, a disease that continues to expand worldwide.

Potential effects of icosapent ethyl on cardiovascular outcomes in cigarette smokers: REDUCE-IT smoking

AIMS

Cigarette smoking is among the most well-established risk factors for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We sought to determine whether icosapent ethyl (IPE), a highly purified form of eicosapentaenoic acid with antiatherothrombotic properties, may reduce the excessive risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) attributable to smoking.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl Trial (REDUCE-IT) was a multinational, double-blind trial that randomized 8179 statin-treated patients with elevated triglycerides and CV risk to IPE or placebo, with a median follow-up period of 4.9 years. Icosapent ethyl reduced the primary composite endpoint [CV death, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non-fatal stroke, coronary revascularization, or hospitalization for unstable angina] by 25% (P < 0.0001). In the current analyses, the effect of IPE was evaluated in REDUCE-IT using post hoc analyses based on smoking history. Groups were classified as current smokers (n = 1241), former smokers (n = 3672), and never smokers (n = 3264). Compared with placebo, IPE use in combined current and former smokers (n = 4913) was associated with significant reductions in time to the primary composite endpoint {hazard ratio: 0.77 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68-0.87]; P < 0.0001} and in total events [rate ratio: 0.71 (95% CI: 0.61-0.82); P < 0.0001]. These benefits remained significant when subdivided into current and former smokers (P = 0.04, P = 0.005), with reductions in the key secondary composite endpoint (P < 0.0001) and in the individual components of CV death or non-fatal MI (P = 0.04, P = 0.01) and fatal or non-fatal MI (P = 0.009, P = 0.01), respectively. Benefits were consistent and significant in non-smokers as well. Overall, there were similar estimated rates of first occurrences of primary CVD endpoints in current smokers (23.8%) and former smokers (23.0%) assigned to IPE compared with never smokers on placebo (25.7%).

CONCLUSION

In REDUCE-IT, IPE treatment was associated with a reduced risk of CV events in current and former smokers to levels observed in never smokers. While smoking cessation should always be recommended, these data raise the possibility that IPE treatment may attenuate CV hazards attributable to smoking.

Impact of Outcome Definitions on Cardiovascular Risk Prediction in a Contemporary Primary Prevention Population

BACKGROUND

Estimation of an individual's cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk may enhance risk discussion and treatment decisions. Yet, common cardiovascular outcomes such as heart failure or coronary revascularization are not included in the estimation of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. Our objective was to determine the incidence of ASCVD in a contemporary primary prevention population with more than 10 years of follow-up, and how incidence estimates change when incorporating additional cardiovascular endpoints.

METHODS

We used the population-level CANHEART (Cardiovascular Health in Ambulatory Care Research Team) database of all Ontario residents alive January 1, 2008, aged 30-99 years, and with no prior history of cardiovascular disease. Individuals were followed to December 31, 2019 for incident first and recurrent cardiovascular events. ASCVD outcomes were defined by hospitalizations for myocardial infarction, stroke and circulatory death, while global CVD outcomes also included hospitalizations for unstable angina, transient ischemic attacks, peripheral arterial disease, out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, heart failure and coronary revascularization.

RESULTS

Among 7496 165 individuals free of cardiovascular disease, their mean age was 50 years (SD: 13.9 years) and 52.3% were women. After 11 years of follow-up, the rate of an incident ASCVD event was 3.95 per 1000 person-years while the rate of a global CVD event was almost doubled at 6.67 per 1000 person-years. The most common additional first manifestations of CVD were heart failure which accounted for 12.0% of additional events and coronary revascularization which accounted for 12.7%. When considering first and recurrent events, the rate of ASCVD was 5.20 per 1000 person-years while the rate of all global CVD events was more than double at 10.90 per 1000 person-years. This was mainly due to a higher proportion of recurrent heart failure (13.7%) and coronary revascularization (23.2%) events.

CONCLUSIONS

ASCVD accounts for just over half of all preventable first cardiovascular events and even fewer first and recurrent cardiovascular events in contemporary practice. Estimating broader CVD endpoints may enhance risk-discussions with patients and improve informed decision-making.

Marine-derived n-3 fatty acids therapy for stroke

BACKGROUND

Currently, with stroke burden increasing, there is a need to explore therapeutic options that ameliorate the acute insult. There is substantial evidence of a neuroprotective effect of marine-derived n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in animal models of stroke, leading to a better functional outcome.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of administration of marine-derived n-3 PUFAs on functional outcomes and dependence in people with stroke.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Trials Register (last searched 31 May 2021), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2021, Issue 5), MEDLINE Ovid (from 1948 to 31 May 2021), Embase Ovid (from 1980 to 31 May 2021), CINAHL EBSCO (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature; from 1982 to 31 May 2021), Science Citation Index Expanded ‒ Web of Science (SCI-EXPANDED), Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science - Web of Science (CPCI-S), and BIOSIS Citation Index. We also searched ongoing trial registers, reference lists, relevant systematic reviews, and used the Science Citation Index Reference Search.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing marine-derived n-3 PUFAs to placebo or open control (no placebo) in people with a history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), or both.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of the body of evidence. We contacted study authors for clarification and additional information on stroke/TIA participants. We conducted random-effects meta-analysis or narrative synthesis, as appropriate. The primary outcome was efficacy (functional outcome) assessed using a validated scale, for example, the Glasgow Outcome Scale Extended (GOSE) dichotomised into poor or good clinical outcome, the Barthel Index (higher score is better; scale from 0 to 100), or the Rivermead Mobility Index (higher score is better; scale from 0 to 15). Our secondary outcomes were vascular-related death, recurrent events, incidence of other type of stroke, adverse events, quality of life, and mood.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 30 RCTs; nine of them provided outcome data (3339 participants). Only one study included participants in the acute phase of stroke (haemorrhagic). Doses of marine-derived n-3 PUFAs ranged from 400 mg/day to 3300 mg/day. Risk of bias was generally low or unclear in most trials, with a higher risk of bias in smaller studies. We assessed results separately for short (up to three months) and longer (more than three months) follow-up studies. Short follow-up (up to three months) Functional outcome was reported in only one pilot study as poor clinical outcome assessed with the GOSE (risk ratio (RR) 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36 to 1.68, P = 0.52; 40 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Mood (assessed with the GHQ-30, lower score better) was reported by only one study and favoured control (mean difference (MD) 1.41, 95% CI 0.07 to 2.75, P = 0.04; 102 participants; low-certainty evidence). We found no evidence of an effect of the intervention for the remainder of the secondary outcomes: vascular-related death (two studies, not pooled due to differences in population, RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 8.00, P = 0.50, and RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.72, P = 0.49; 142 participants; low-certainty evidence); recurrent events (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.02 to 8.84, P = 0.57; 18 participants; very low-certainty evidence); incidence of other type of stroke (two studies, not pooled due to different type of index stroke, RR 6.11, 95% CI 0.33 to 111.71, P = 0.22, and RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.58, P = 0.32; 58 participants; very low-certainty evidence); and quality of life (physical component, MD -2.31, 95% CI -4.81 to 0.19, P = 0.07, and mental component, MD -2.16, 95% CI -5.91 to 1.59, P = 0.26; 1 study; 102 participants; low-certainty evidence). Adverse events were reported by two studies (57 participants; very low-certainty evidence), one trial reporting extracranial haemorrhage (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.04 to 1.73, P = 0.16) and the other one reporting bleeding complications (RR 0.32, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.35, P = 0.47). Longer follow-up (more than three months) One small trial assessed functional outcome with both the Barthel Index for activities of daily living (MD 7.09, 95% CI -5.16 to 19.34, P = 0.26), and the Rivermead Mobility Index for mobility (MD 1.30, 95% CI -1.31 to 3.91, P = 0.33) (52 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We carried out meta-analysis for vascular-related death (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.35, P = 0.86; 5 studies; 2237 participants; low-certainty evidence) and fatal recurrent events (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.55, P = 0.37; 3 studies; 1819 participants; low-certainty evidence). We found no evidence of an effect of the intervention for mood (MD 1.00, 95% CI -2.07 to 4.07, P = 0.61; 1 study; 14 participants; low-certainty evidence). Incidence of other type of stroke and quality of life were not reported. Adverse events (all combined) were reported by only one study (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.58, P = 0.82; 1455 participants; low-certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We are very uncertain of the effect of marine-derived n-3 PUFAs therapy on functional outcomes and dependence after stroke as there is insufficient high-certainty evidence. More well-designed RCTs are needed, specifically in acute stroke, to determine the efficacy and safety of the intervention. Studies assessing functional outcome might consider starting the intervention as early as possible after the event, as well as using standardised, clinically relevant measures for functional outcomes, such as the modified Rankin Scale. Optimal doses remain to be determined; delivery forms (type of lipid carriers) and mode of administration (ingestion or injection) also need further consideration.

The potential population health impact of treating REDUCE-IT eligible US adults with Icosapent Ethyl

Objective

To explore the population health impact of treating all US adults eligible for the Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT) with icosapent ethyl (IPE), we estimated (1) the number of ASCVD events and healthcare costs that could be prevented; and (2) medication costs.

Methods

We derived REDUCE-IT eligible cohorts in (1) the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2009-2014 and (2) the Optum Research Database (ORD). Population sizes were obtained from NHANES and observed first event rates (composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, unstable angina requiring hospitalization, or coronary revascularization) were estimated from the ORD. Hazard ratios from REDUCE-IT USA estimated events prevented with IPE therapy. The National Inpatient Sample estimated event costs (facility and professional) and daily IPE treatment cost was approximated at $4.59.

Results

We estimate 3.6 million US adults to be REDUCE-IT eligible, and the observed five-year first event rate without IPE of 19.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 16.6%-19.5%) could be lowered to 13.1% (95% CI 12.8%-13.5%) with five years of IPE treatment, preventing 212,000 (uncertainty range 163,000-262,000) events. We projected the annual IPE treatment cost for all eligible persons to be $6.0 billion (95% CI $4.7-$7.5 billion), but saving $1.8 billion annually due to first events prevented (net annual cost $4.3 billion). The total five-year event rate (first and recurrent) could be reduced from 42.5% (95% CI 39.6%-45.4%) to 28.9% (95% CI 26.9-30.9%) with five years of IPE therapy, preventing 490,000 (uncertainty range 370,000-609,000) events (net annual cost $2.6 billion).

Conclusions

Treating all REDUCE-IT eligible US adults has substantial medication costs but could prevent a substantial number of ASCVD events and associated direct costs. Indirect cost savings by preventing events could outweigh much of the incurred direct costs.

Prevention of Cardiovascular Events and Mortality With Icosapent Ethyl in Patients With Prior Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

REDUCE-IT was a double-blind trial that randomized 8,179 statin-treated patients with controlled low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and moderately elevated triglycerides to icosapent ethyl (IPE) or placebo. There was a significant reduction in the primary endpoint, including death from cardiovascular (CV) causes. The specific impact of IPE among patients with prior myocardial infarction (MI) was unknown.

OBJECTIVES

Our goal was to examine the benefit of IPE on ischemic events among patients with prior MI in REDUCE-IT.

METHODS

We performed post hoc analyses of patients with prior MI. The primary endpoint was CV death, MI, stroke, coronary revascularization, or hospitalization for unstable angina. The key secondary endpoint was CV death, MI, or stroke.

RESULTS

A total of 3,693 patients had a history of prior MI. The primary endpoint was reduced from 26.1% to 20.2% with IPE vs placebo; HR: 0.74 (95% CI: 0.65-0.85; P = 0.00001). The key secondary endpoint was reduced from 18.0% to 13.3%; HR: 0.71 (95% CI: 0.61-0.84; P = 0.00006). There was also a significant 35% relative risk reduction in total ischemic events (P = 0.0000001), a 34% reduction in MI (P = 0.00009), a 30% reduction in CV death (P = 0.01), and a 20% lower rate of all-cause mortality (P = 0.054), although there was a slight increase in atrial fibrillation. Sudden cardiac death and cardiac arrest were also significantly reduced by 40% and 56%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a history of prior MI in REDUCE-IT treated with IPE demonstrated large and significant relative and absolute risk reductions in ischemic events, including CV death. (A Study of AMR101 to Evaluate Its Ability to Reduce Cardiovascular Events in High Risk Patients With Hypertriglyceridemia and on Statin. The Primary Objective is to Evaluate the Effect of 4 g/Day AMR101 for Preventing the Occurrence of a First Major Cardiovascular Event. [REDUCE-IT]; NCT01492361).

2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure" replaces the "2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure" and the "2017 ACC/AHA/HFSA Focused Update of the 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure." The 2022 guideline is intended to provide patient-centric recommendations for clinicians to prevent, diagnose, and manage patients with heart failure.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 2020 to December 2020, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Collaboration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other relevant databases. Additional relevant clinical trials and research studies, published through September 2021, were also considered. This guideline was harmonized with other American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines published through December 2021. Structure: Heart failure remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The 2022 heart failure guideline provides recommendations based on contemporary evidence for the treatment of these patients. The recommendations present an evidence-based approach to managing patients with heart failure, with the intent to improve quality of care and align with patients' interests. Many recommendations from the earlier heart failure guidelines have been updated with new evidence, and new recommendations have been created when supported by published data. Value statements are provided for certain treatments with high-quality published economic analyses.

2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure

AIM

The "2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure" replaces the "2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure" and the "2017 ACC/AHA/HFSA Focused Update of the 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of Heart Failure." The 2022 guideline is intended to provide patient-centric recommendations for clinicians to prevent, diagnose, and manage patients with heart failure.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from May 2020 to December 2020, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that were published in English from MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Collaboration, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and other relevant databases. Additional relevant clinical trials and research studies, published through September 2021, were also considered. This guideline was harmonized with other American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines published through December 2021.

STRUCTURE

Heart failure remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. The 2022 heart failure guideline provides recommendations based on contemporary evidence for the treatment of these patients. The recommendations present an evidence-based approach to managing patients with heart failure, with the intent to improve quality of care and align with patients' interests. Many recommendations from the earlier heart failure guidelines have been updated with new evidence, and new recommendations have been created when supported by published data. Value statements are provided for certain treatments with high-quality published economic analyses.

Reducing residual cardiovascular risk in Europe: Therapeutic implications of European medicines agency approval of icosapent ethyl/eicosapentaenoic acid

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and its atherothrombotic complications impose a substantial disease burden in Europe, representing a cost of €210 billion per year for the European Union. Hypertriglyceridemia, a major risk factor for premature ASCVD, is present in more than 20% of the European population, and is a key feature of atherogenic dyslipidemia. Recent findings from the Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis (PESA) cohort in Spain showed that even in apparently healthy, middle-aged individuals without a history of cardiovascular (CV) risk, elevated triglyceride levels are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and arterial inflammation. Emerging evidence from epidemiologic and genetic studies supports an independent causative role of triglycerides, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, and their remnants in this pathology. Icosapent ethyl (IPE) is a highly purified, stable ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that was initially approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat severe hypertriglyceridemia, and subsequently received an expanded indication to reduce the risk of CV events in adult statin-treated patients. Approval was based on the pivotal, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT), which showed that high-dose IPE (4 g/day) significantly reduced the risk of primary and secondary composite endpoints comprising major CV events and CV death relative to placebo. In 2021, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved IPE to reduce the risk of CV events in adult statin-treated patients at high CV risk with elevated triglyceride levels (≥1.7 mmol/L [≥150 mg/dL]) and established CV disease, or diabetes and at least one other CV risk factor. Clinical studies in Europe, which included patients with acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and those undergoing cardiac rehabilitation, established that 12.5% to 23.3% of these high-risk populations may benefit from treatment with IPE. Such clinical benefit may in part result from the moderate triglyceride-lowering properties of IPE/EPA; equally however, concentrations of atherogenic remnant particle-cholesterol are markedly reduced. Furthermore, IPE/EPA exerts pleiotropic actions beyond its lipid-lowering properties, which include modulation of endothelial function, attenuation of intra-plaque inflammation and oxidative stress, and reduction in macrophage accumulation. Plasma phospholipids, into which EPA is primarily incorporated and transported, appear to serve as precursors for a series of anti-inflammatory metabolites involving the resolvins RvE1 to RvE3, a pathway which may confer cardioprotective benefits. In addition, plaque imaging data from the Effect of Icosapent Ethyl on Progression of Coronary Atherosclerosis in Patients With Elevated Triglycerides on Statin Therapy (EVAPORATE) and the Combination Therapy of Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Pitavastatin for Coronary Plaque Regression Evaluated by Integrated Backscatter Intravascular Ultrasonography (CHERRY) trials show that plaque stabilization may be favorably affected. These factors may act synergistically to stabilize atherosclerotic plaques and reduce CV risk. In addition to robust efficacy data, multiple cost-utility studies across several countries indicate that IPE/EPA is a cost-effective treatment option that is favorably situated relative to some common willingness-to-pay thresholds. This review will evaluate the relevance of hypertriglyceridemia to residual ASCVD burden in statin-treated dyslipidemic patients, the potential of IPE/EPA to reduce the risk of ASCVD and cardiovascular mortality in high-risk patient populations, and the mechanisms which may underlie these effects. Finally, the clinical implications of the EMA label for IPE will be critically appraised in light of the updated 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society guidelines on the management of dyslipidemia and the recent European Atherosclerosis Society consensus statement on triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and their remnants, together with considerations of its cost-effectiveness across several countries.

Treatment With Icosapent Ethyl to Reduce Ischemic Events in Patients With Prior Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From REDUCE-IT PCI

Background

Patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are at increased risk for recurrent cardiovascular events despite aggressive medical therapy.

Methods and Results

This post hoc analysis focused on the subset of patients with prior PCI enrolled in REDUCE‐IT (Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With Icosapent Ethyl–Intervention Trial), a multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of icosapent ethyl versus placebo. Icosapent ethyl was added to statins in patients with low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol <100 mg/dL and fasting triglycerides 135–499 mg/dL. The primary end point was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, coronary revascularization, or unstable angina requiring hospitalization. There were 8179 patients randomized in REDUCE‐IT followed for a median of 4.9 years, and 3408 (41.7%) of them had a prior PCI with a median follow‐up of 4.8 years. These patients were randomized a median of 2.9 years (11 days to 30.7 years) after PCI. Among patients treated with icosapent ethyl versus placebo, there was a 34% reduction in the primary composite end point (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66; 95% CI, 0.58–0.76; P<0.001; number needed to treat^{4.8 years}=12) and a 34% reduction in the key secondary composite end point of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.56–0.79; P<0.001; NNT^{4.8 years}=19) versus placebo. Similarly, large reductions occurred in total coronary revascularizations and revascularization subtypes. There was also a 39% reduction in total events (rate ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.52–0.72; P<0.001).

Conclusions

Among patients treated with statins with elevated triglycerides and a history of prior PCI, icosapent ethyl substantially reduced the risk of recurrent events during an average of ~5 years of follow‐up with a number needed to treat of only 12.

Registration

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01492361.

Cost-effectiveness of Icosapent Ethyl for High-risk Patients With Hypertriglyceridemia Despite Statin Treatment

Importance

The Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT) demonstrated the efficacy of icosapent ethyl (IPE) for high-risk patients with hypertriglyceridemia and known cardiovascular disease or diabetes and at least 1 other risk factor who were treated with statins.

Objective

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of IPE compared with standard care for high-risk patients with hypertriglyceridemia despite statin treatment.

Design, Setting, and Participants

An in-trial cost-effectiveness analysis was performed using patient-level study data from REDUCE-IT, and a lifetime analysis was performed using a microsimulation model and data from published literature. The study included 8179 patients with hypertriglyceridemia despite stable statin therapy recruited between November 21, 2011, and May 31, 2018. Analyses were performed from a US health care sector perspective. Statistical analysis was performed from March 1, 2018, to October 31, 2021.

Interventions

Patients were randomly assigned to IPE, 4 g/d, or placebo and were followed up for a median of 4.9 years (IQR, 3.5-5.3 years). The cost of IPE was $4.16 per day after rebates using SSR Health net cost (SSR cost) and $9.28 per day with wholesale acquisition cost (WAC).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Main outcomes were incremental quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), total direct health care costs (2019 US dollars), and cost-effectiveness.

Results

A total of 4089 patients (2927 men [71.6%]; median age, 64.0 years [IQR, 57.0-69.0 years]) were randomly assigned to receive IPE, and 4090 patients (2895 men [70.8%]; median age, 64.0 years [IQR, 57.0-69.0 years]) were randomly assigned to receive standard care. Treatment with IPE yielded more QALYs than standard care both in trial (3.34 vs 3.27; mean difference, 0.07 [95% CI, 0.01-0.12]) and over a lifetime projection (10.59 vs 10.35; mean difference, 0.24 [95% CI, 0.15-0.33]). In-trial, total health care costs were higher with IPE using either SSR cost ($18 786) or WAC ($24 544) than with standard care ($17 273; mean difference from SSR cost, $1513 [95% CI, $155-$2870]; mean difference from WAC, $7271 [95% CI, $5911-$8630]). Icosapent ethyl cost $22 311 per QALY gained using SSR cost and $107 218 per QALY gained using WAC. Over a lifetime, IPE was projected to be cost saving when using SSR cost ($195 276) compared with standard care ($197 064; mean difference, -$1788 [95% CI, -$9735 to $6159]) but to have higher costs when using WAC ($202 830) compared with standard care (mean difference, $5766 [95% CI, $1094-$10 438]). Compared with standard care, IPE had a 58.4% lifetime probability of costing less and being more effective when using SSR cost and an 89.4% probability of costing less than $50 000 per QALY gained when using SSR cost and a 72.5% probability of costing less than $50 000 per QALY gained when using WAC.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study suggests that, both in-trial and over the lifetime, IPE offers better cardiovascular outcomes than standard care in REDUCE-IT participants at common willingness-to-pay thresholds.

The year in cardiovascular medicine 2021: dyslipidaemia

The past year was an exciting time for clinical lipidology when we learnt more about existing therapies as well as therapies targeting novel pathways discovered through genetic studies. LDL cholesterol remained the main target and a variety of drugs to lower LDL cholesterol through different mechanisms were explored. Emerging evidence on the atherogenity of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins led to renewed interest in lowering them with new treatments. Lp(a) was back in focus with evidence on causality and new targeted therapeutics which dramatically lower Lp(a) levels. We will be able to personalise lipid lowering therapy further with this enriched armamentarium once we have the results of the cardiovascular outcome studies with some of these new agents.

Influence of lipid-lowering drugs on inflammation: what is yet to be done?

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is associated with risk of cardiovascular events. The best-characterised and well-standardised clinical indicator of inflammation is C-reactive protein. Current evidence-based drug therapies for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases are mainly focused on reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. However, these drugs do not provide sufficient protection against recurrent cardiovascular events. One of the possible mechanisms behind this recurrence might be the persistence of residual inflammation. For the most commonly used lipid-lowering drugs, the statins, their reduction of cardiovascular events goes beyond lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Here, we review the effects of these lipid-lowering drugs on inflammation, considering statins, ezetimibe, fibrates, niacin, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors, bempedoic acid, ethyl eicosapentaenoic acid and antisense oligonucleotides. We focus in particular on C-reactive protein, and discuss how the effects of the statins might be related to reduced rates of cardiovascular events.

Specialized Proresolving Mediators in Symptomatic Women With Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction (from the Women's Ischemia Trial to Reduce Events in Nonobstructive CAD [WARRIOR] Trial)

Resolvins and maresins, members of the specialized proresolving mediator (SPM) family, are omega-3 fatty acid-derived lipid mediators that attenuate inflammation. We hypothesized that they play a role in the pathophysiology of coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in women with ischemia and no obstructive coronary disease. In a pilot study, we measured the D-series resolvins (D1, D2, D3, and D5), resolvin E1, maresin 1, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (precursor of resolvin E1), and 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid by mass spectrometry in the peripheral blood of 31 women enrolled in the Women's Ischemia Trial to Reduce Events in Nonobstructive CAD (WARRIOR) trial who had confirmed CMD assessed by coronary flow reserve. We compared SPM levels with 12 gender and age-matched reference subjects. Compared with the reference subject group, those with CMD had significantly lower plasma concentrations of resolvin D1 and maresin 1 and significantly higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid and 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid. In conclusion, insufficient or ineffective SPM production may play a role in the pathophysiology of CMD. If our results are validated in a larger cohort, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation could be tested as a novel treatment for these patients.

Apolipoprotein E content of VLDL limits LPL-mediated triglyceride hydrolysis

High levels of circulating triglycerides (TGs), or hypertriglyceridemia, are key components of metabolic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and CVD. As TGs are carried by lipoproteins in plasma, hypertriglyceridemia can result from overproduction or lack of clearance of TG-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) such as VLDLs. The primary driver of TRL clearance is TG hydrolysis mediated by LPL. LPL is regulated by numerous TRL protein components, including the cofactor apolipoprotein C-II, but it is not clear how their effects combine to impact TRL hydrolysis across individuals. Using a novel assay designed to mimic human plasma conditions in vitro, we tested the ability of VLDL from 15 normolipidemic donors to act as substrates for human LPL. We found a striking 10-fold difference in hydrolysis rates across individuals when the particles were compared on a protein or a TG basis. While VLDL TG contents moderately correlated with hydrolysis rate, we noticed substantial variations in non-apoB proteins within these particles by MS. The ability of LPL to hydrolyze VLDL TGs did not correlate with apolipoprotein C-II content, but it was strongly inversely correlated with apolipoprotein E (APOE) and, to a lesser extent, apolipoprotein A-II. Addition of exogenous APOE inhibited LPL lipolysis in a dose-dependent manner. The APOE3 and (particularly) APOE4 isoforms were effective at limiting LPL hydrolysis, whereas APOE2 was not. We conclude that APOE on VLDL modulates LPL activity and could be a relevant factor in the pathogenesis of metabolic disease.

Icosapent Ethyl Reduces Ischemic Events in Patients With a History of Previous Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: REDUCE-IT CABG

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in surgery and pharmacotherapy, there remains significant residual ischemic risk after coronary artery bypass grafting surgery.

METHODS

In REDUCE-IT (Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial), a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, statin-treated patients with controlled low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and mild to moderate hypertriglyceridemia were randomized to 4 g daily of icosapent ethyl or placebo. They experienced a 25% reduction in risk of a primary efficacy end point (composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, or hospitalization for unstable angina) and a 26% reduction in risk of a key secondary efficacy end point (composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) when compared with placebo. The current analysis reports on the subgroup of patients from the trial with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting.

RESULTS

Of the 8179 patients randomized in REDUCE-IT, a total of 1837 (22.5%) had a history of coronary artery bypass grafting, with 897 patients randomized to icosapent ethyl and 940 to placebo. Baseline characteristics were similar between treatment groups. Randomization to icosapent ethyl was associated with a significant reduction in the primary end point (hazard ratio [HR], 0.76 [95% CI, 0.63-0.92]; P=0.004), in the key secondary end point (HR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.56-0.87]; P=0.001), and in total (first plus subsequent or recurrent) ischemic events (rate ratio, 0.64 [95% CI, 0.50-0.81]; P=0.0002) compared with placebo. This yielded an absolute risk reduction of 6.2% (95% CI, 2.3%-10.2%) in first events, with a number needed to treat of 16 (95% CI, 10-44) during a median follow-up time of 4.8 years. Safety findings were similar to the overall study: beyond an increased rate of atrial fibrillation/flutter requiring hospitalization for at least 24 hours (5.0% vs 3.1%; P=0.03) and a nonsignificant increase in bleeding, occurrences of adverse events were comparable between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In REDUCE-IT patients with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting, treatment with icosapent ethyl was associated with significant reductions in first and recurrent ischemic events. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01492361.

Benefits of Icosapent Ethyl Across the Range of Kidney Function in Patients With Established Cardiovascular Disease or Diabetes: REDUCE-IT RENAL

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Chronic kidney disease is associated with adverse outcomes among patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) or diabetes. Commonly used medications to treat CVD are less effective among patients with reduced kidney function.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review for Pharmacists

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While use of statin therapy has improved management of lipids, an unmet need in reducing residual atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk and ischemic events persists. We provide an overview of the pharmacology of omega-3 fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acid cardiovascular outcomes trials, landmark clinical data and pharmacology of icosapent ethyl (a stable and highly purified ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid), and the critical differences between fish oil supplements and prescription omega-3 fatty acids.

METHOD

A PubMed literature review was conducted in April 2020 to identify articles discussing omega-3 fatty acid cardiovascular outcomes trials, pharmacology of icosapent ethyl, and the evaluation of fish oil dietary supplements and prescription omega-3 fatty acids.

RESULTS

Both eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid have been widely associated with positive health benefits; however, data are inconsistent regarding the benefit of combination eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in patients with cardiovascular disease. Eicosapentaenoic acid, and specifically icosapent ethyl, has demonstrated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk reduction among statin-treated patients. Important clinical differences exist between dietary supplement and prescription omega-3 fatty acid products.

CONCLUSIONS

As research regarding the optimal management of dyslipidemia continues, additional therapy beyond statins is necessary to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. In large cardiovascular outcomes trials, eicosapentaenoic acid has demonstrated cardiovascular benefit. Icosapent ethyl possesses a favorable efficacy and safety profile and should be considered as an adjunct to statin therapy to reduce ischemic event risk.

High density lipoprotein in atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease: Where do we stand today?

Epidemiological studies during the last five years suggest that a relation between high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) does exist but follows rather a "U-shaped" curve with an optimal range of HDL-C concentration between 40 and 70 mg/dl for men and 50-70 mg/dl for women. Moreover, as research in the field of lipoproteins progresses it becomes increasingly apparent that HDL particles possess different attributes and depending on their structural and functional characteristics, they may be "antiatherogenic" or "proatherogenic". In light of this information, it is highly doubtful that the choice of experimental drugs and the design of respective clinical trials that put the HDL-C raising hypothesis at test, were the most suitable. Here, we compile the existing literature on HDL, providing a critical up-to-date view that focuses on key data from the biochemistry, epidemiology and pharmacology of HDL, including data from clinical trials. We also discuss the most up-to-date information on the contribution of HDL structure and function to the prevention of atherosclerosis. We conclude by summarizing important differences between mouse models and humans, that may explain why pharmacological successes in mice turn out to be failures in humans.

Comparative Reductions in Investigator-Reported and Adjudicated Ischemic Events in REDUCE-IT

BACKGROUND

REDUCE-IT (Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial) randomized statin-treated patients with elevated triglycerides to icosapent ethyl (IPE) or placebo. There was a significant reduction in adjudicated events, including the primary endpoint (cardiovascular [CV] death, myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, coronary revascularization, unstable angina requiring hospitalization) and key secondary endpoint (CV death, MI, stroke) with IPE.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of IPE on investigator-reported events.

METHODS

Potential endpoints were collected by blinded site investigators and subsequently adjudicated by a blinded Clinical Endpoint Committee (CEC) according to a prespecified charter. Investigator-reported events were compared with adjudicated events for concordance.

RESULTS

There was a high degree of concordance between investigator-reported and adjudicated endpoints. The simple Kappa statistic between CEC-adjudicated vs site-reported events for the primary endpoint was 0.89 and for the key secondary endpoint was 0.90. Based on investigator-reported events in 8,179 randomized patients, IPE significantly reduced the rate of the primary endpoint (19.1% vs 24.6%; HR: 0.74 [95% CI: 0.67-0.81]; P < 0.0001) and the key secondary endpoint (10.5% vs 13.6%; HR: 0.75 [95% CI: 0.66-0.85]; P < 0.0001). Among adjudicated events, IPE similarly reduced the rate of the primary and key secondary endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

IPE led to consistent, significant reductions in CV events, including MI and coronary revascularization, as determined by independent, blinded CEC adjudication as well as by blinded investigator-reported assessment. These results highlight the robust evidence for the substantial CV benefits of IPE seen in REDUCE-IT and further raise the question of whether adjudication of CV outcome trial endpoints is routinely required in blinded, placebo-controlled trials. (Evaluation of the Effect of AMR101 on Cardiovascular Health and Mortality in Hypertriglyceridemic Patients With Cardiovascular Disease or at High Risk for Cardiovascular Disease: REDUCE-IT [Reduction of Cardiovascular Events With EPA - Intervention Trial]; NCT01492361).

A randomized trial of icosapent ethyl in ambulatory patients with COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains a source of considerable morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Therapeutic options to reduce symptoms, inflammatory response, or disease progression are limited. This randomized open-label trial enrolled 100 ambulatory patients with symptomatic COVID-19 in Toronto, Canada. Results indicate that icosapent ethyl (8 g daily for 3 days followed by 4 g daily for 11 days) significantly reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and improved symptomatology compared with patients assigned to usual care. Specifically, the primary biomarker endpoint, change in hs-CRP, was significantly reduced by 25% among treated patients (−0.5 mg/L, interquartile range [IQR] [−6.9,0.4], within-group p = 0.011). Conversely, a non-significant 5.6% reduction was observed among usual care patients (−0.1 mg/L, IQR [−3.2,1.7], within-group p = 0.51). An unadjusted between-group primary biomarker analysis was non-significant (p = 0.082). Overall, this report provides evidence of an early anti-inflammatory effect of icosapent ethyl in a modest sample, including an initial well-tolerated loading dose, in symptomatic outpatients with COVID-19. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04412018.

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hs-CRP was significantly reduced within the icosapent ethyl cohort (p value = 0.011)

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Total symptom prevalence was significantly reduced in treatment versus usual care

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Treated participants had significant FLU-PRO score reductions versus usual care

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First evidence of a well-tolerated icosapent ethyl loading dose (8 g/day for 3 days)

The role of eicosapentaenoic acid in reducing important cardiovascular events, including coronary revascularization

The omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid has an important role in human health. The Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT) examined the prescription omega-3 fatty acid icosapent ethyl (IPE) in patients with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) or with diabetes plus additional CVD risk factors. The trial found a large reduction in CVD events, including significant reductions in CVD death, myocardial infarction, stroke, coronary revascularization, and hospitalization for unstable angina. These results led to the regulatory approval of IPE in a population similar to REDUCE-IT participants in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and the European Union. Moreover, multiple international guidelines have endorsed the use of IPE in such individuals. A secondary analysis of REDUCE-IT examined the endpoint of coronary artery revascularization. This analysis showed a significant reduction not only in coronary revascularization overall but also in elective, urgent, and emergent coronary revascularization. Additionally, IPE significantly reduced the need for both percutaneous coronary intervention and for coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Coronary imaging studies have demonstrated significant decreases in rates of plaque progression with IPE, with significant effects within 6-9 months. In parallel, experimental findings corroborate several effects of IPE that provide mechanisms that could contribute to the profound reductions in multiple types of ischemic events, including percutaneous and surgical coronary revascularization. Future trials should explore potential benefits of initiation of IPE at the time of revascularization in broader populations, potentially in conjunction with loading doses.

Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The effects of omega-3 fatty acids (FAs), such as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids, on cardiovascular outcomes are uncertain. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of omega-3 FAs on fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular outcomes and examine the potential variability in EPA vs. EPA+DHA treatment effects.

METHODS

We searched EMBASE, PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane library databases through June 7, 2021. We performed a meta-analysis of 38 randomized controlled trials of omega-3 FAs, stratified by EPA monotherapy and EPA+DHA therapy. We estimated random-effects rate ratios (RRs) with (95% confidence intervals) and rated the certainty of evidence using GRADE. The key outcomes of interest were cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal cardiovascular outcomes, bleeding, and atrial fibrillation (AF). The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021227580).

FINDINGS

In 149,051 participants, omega-3 FA was associated with reducing cardiovascular mortality (RR, 0.93 [0.88-0.98]; p = 0.01), non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) (RR, 0.87 [0.81-0.93]; p = 0.0001), coronary heart disease events (CHD) (RR, 0.91 [0.87-0.96]; p = 0.0002), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (RR, 0.95 [0.92-0.98]; p = 0.002), and revascularization (RR, 0.91 [0.87-0.95]; p = 0.0001). The meta-analysis showed higher RR reductions with EPA monotherapy (0.82 [0.68-0.99]) than with EPA + DHA (0.94 [0.89-0.99]) for cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal MI (EPA: 0.72 [0.62-0.84]; EPA+DHA: 0.92 [0.85-1.00]), CHD events (EPA: 0.73 [0.62-0.85]; EPA+DHA: 0.94 [0.89-0.99]), as well for MACE and revascularization. Omega-3 FA increased incident AF (RR, 1.26 [1.08-1.48]). EPA monotherapy vs. control was associated with a higher risk of total bleeding (RR: 1.49 [1.20-1.84]) and AF (RR, 1.35 [1.10-1.66]).

INTERPRETATION

Omega-3 FAs reduced cardiovascular mortality and improved cardiovascular outcomes. The cardiovascular risk reduction was more prominent with EPA monotherapy than with EPA+DHA.

FUNDING

None.

The Evolving Role of Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Cardiovascular Disease: Is Icosapent Ethyl the Answer?

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Despite significant advances in pharmacotherapies and the beneficial effects of statin therapy on ASCVD outcomes and progression of atherosclerosis, residual cardiovascular (CV) risk remains. Extensive evidence has identified the contribution of atherogenic dyslipidaemia, which is particularly characterised by elevated triglycerides (TGL) as a key driver of CV risk, even if low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are well controlled. Epidemiologic and genetic/Mendelian randomisation studies have demonstrated that elevated TGL levels serve as an independent marker for an increased risk of ischaemic events, highlighting TGLs as a suitable therapeutic target. Clinical studies have shown that omega 3 fatty acids (OM3FA) are effective in lowering TGLs; however, to date, trials and meta-analyses of combined OM3FA products have not demonstrated any clinical CV outcome benefit in patients receiving statins. However, icosapent ethyl (IPE) - a highly purified, stable ethyl ester of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) - has been rigorously demonstrated in multiple studies to be a useful adjunctive therapy to address residual CV risk. EPA is an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid that is incorporated into membrane phospholipid bilayers and is reported to exert multiple beneficial effects along the pathway of coronary atherosclerosis. In this brief review, we will provide an overview of the mode of action of IPE in coronary atherosclerosis, the robust clinical evidence and trial data supporting its use, and expert consensus/recommendations on its use in specific populations, as an adjunct to existing anti-atherosclerotic therapies.

Pro-resolving lipid mediators: regulators of inflammation, metabolism and kidney function

Obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and cardiovascular disease are risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure. Chronic, low-grade inflammation is recognized as a major pathogenic mechanism that underlies the association between CKD and obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and diabetes, through interaction between resident and/or circulating immune cells with parenchymal cells. Thus, considerable interest exists in approaches that target inflammation as a strategy to manage CKD. The initial phase of the inflammatory response to injury or metabolic dysfunction reflects the release of pro-inflammatory mediators including peptides, lipids and cytokines, and the recruitment of leukocytes. In self-limiting inflammation, the evolving inflammatory response is coupled to distinct processes that promote the resolution of inflammation and restore homeostasis. The discovery of endogenously generated lipid mediators - specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators and branched fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids - which promote the resolution of inflammation and attenuate the microvascular and macrovascular complications of obesity and diabetes mellitus highlights novel opportunities for potential therapeutic intervention through the targeting of pro-resolution, rather than anti-inflammatory pathways.

The Road to Approval: a Perspective on the Role of Icosapent Ethyl in Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Epidemiological studies have long suggested the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids (OM3FAs). However, until recently, clinical trials using OM3FAs have been largely negative with respect to their cardioprotective effects. In this review, we aim to summarize key clinical trials, examine the clinical benefits of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and potential mechanisms, and review the changes in guidelines and recommendations.

RECENT FINDINGS

The Reduction of Cardiovascular Events with Icosapent Ethyl-Intervention Trial (REDUCE-IT) has demonstrated significant cardiovascular mortality benefits of purified EPA ethyl ester, with a 25% relative risk reduction in major cardiovascular events. As first of its class to be approved, icosapent ethyl offers a new option to further reduce cardiovascular risks in patients already treated with maximally tolerated statins.