Efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin therapy for children with familial hypercholesterolemia

Objectives: This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and safety of rosuvastatin therapy for children with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia is a common inherited disorder causing markedly elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels from birth and resulting in premature atherosclerosis. In children, statins have been shown to be effective in reducing LDL-C, restoring flow-mediated dilation, and slowing carotid intima-media thickening. However, few children in these trials achieved current LDL-C goals.

Methods: This study comprised a 12-week double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, followed by a 40-week open-label, titration-to-goal extension phase in 177 pubertal children, ages 10 to 17 years, with familial hypercholesterolemia. Participants were randomly assigned to placebo or rosuvastatin 5, 10, or 20 mg once daily.

Results: Compared with placebo, rosuvastatin 5, 10, and 20 mg reduced LDL-C by 38%, 45%, and 50%, respectively (p < 0.001 for each group vs. placebo). With a maximum allowed dose of 20 mg, 40% achieved the treatment goal of <110 mg/dl during the open-label, titration-to-goal phase. Rosuvastatin was well tolerated, with no apparent adverse impact on growth or development.

Conclusions: In children with familial hypercholesterolemia, rosuvastatin 20 mg daily reduced LDL-C by 50%. Nonetheless, only 40% attained the consensus LDL-C target of <110 mg/dl, reflecting these patients' high baseline LDL-C levels (mean, 232 mg/dl). (Pediatric Lipid-Reduction Trial of Rosuvastatin [PLUTO]; NCT00355615).