Ubisol-Q10, a Nanomicellar and Water-Dispersible Formulation of Coenzyme-Q10 as a Potential Treatment for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease.

The world continues a desperate search for therapies that could bring hope and relief to millions suffering from progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD). With oxidative stress thought to be a core stressor, interests have long been focused on applying redox therapies including coenzyme-Q10. Therapeutic use has failed to show efficacy in human clinical trials due to poor bioavailability of this lipophilic compound. A nanomicellar, water-dispersible formulation of coenzyme-Q10, Ubisol-Q10, has been developed by combining coenzyme-Q10 with an amphiphilic, self-emulsifying molecule of polyoxyethanyl α-tocopheryl sebacate (derivatized vitamin E). This discovery made possible, for the first time, a proper assessment of the true therapeutic value of coenzyme-Q10. Micromolar concentrations of Ubisol-Q10 show unprecedented neuroprotection against neurotoxin exposure in in vitro and in vivo models of neurodegeneration and was extremely effective when delivered either prior to, at the time of, and most significantly, post-neurotoxin exposure. These findings indicate a possible way forward for clinical development due to effective doses well within Federal Drug Administration guidelines. Ubisol-Q10 is a potent mobilizer of astroglia, antioxidant, senescence preventer, autophagy activator, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial stabilizer. Here we summarize the work with oil-soluble coenzyme-Q10, its limitations, and focus mainly on efficacy of water-soluble coenzyme-Q10 in neurodegeneration.

Combined Ubisol-Q10 and Ashwagandha Root Extract Target Multiple Biochemical Mechanisms and Reduces Neurodegeneration in a Paraquat-Induced Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra (SN) region resulting in loss of movement coordination. Current therapies only provide symptomatic relief, and there is no agent to halt the progression of PD. Previously, Ubisol-Q10, a water-soluble formulation of coenzyme-Q10, and ethanolic root extract of ashwagandha (ASH) have been shown to inhibit PD pathology in rodent models when used alone. Here, we evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of oral administration of ASH and Ubisol-Q10 alone and in combination in a paraquat-induced PD rat model. The combined treatment resulted in better-preserved neuron morphology compared to Ubsiol-Q10 or ASH alone. The combination treatment enhanced activation of pro-survival astroglia and inhibited pro-inflammatory microglia. While anti-oxidative effects were seen with both agents, Ubisol-Q10 activated autophagy, whereas ashwagandha showed a better anti-inflammatory response. Thus, the combined treatment caused inhibition of oxidative stress, autophagy activation, inhibition of pro-inflammatory microglia, and activation of pro-survival astroglia. Consequently, paraquat (PQ)-treated rats given the combination treatment in drinking water did not show motor impairment. Based on these interesting observations, the combined treatment containing two well-tolerated natural compounds could be a more effective strategy to halt the progression of PD.

Correction to: Recognition and Treatment of Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia by Primary Care Physicians: a Survey from the National Lipid Association.

The funding information in this paper was presented incorrectly.

A Bird's-Eye View of the Multiple Biochemical Mechanisms that Propel Pathology of Alzheimer's Disease: Recent Advances and Mechanistic Perspectives on How to Halt the Disease Progression Targeting Multiple Pathways.

Neurons consume the highest amount of oxygen, depend on oxidative metabolism for energy, and survive for the lifetime of an individual. Therefore, neurons are vulnerable to death caused by oxidative-stress, accumulation of damaged and dysfunctional proteins and organelles. There is an exponential increase in the number of patients diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's (AD) as the number of elderly increases exponentially. Development of AD pathology is a complex phenomenon characterized by neuronal death, accumulation of extracellular amyloid-ß plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, and most importantly loss of memory and cognition. These pathologies are most likely caused by mechanisms including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction/stress, accumulation of misfolded proteins, and defective organelles due to impaired proteasome and autophagy mechanisms. Currently, there are no effective treatments to halt the progression of this disease. In order to treat this complex disease with multiple biochemical pathways involved, a complex treatment regimen targeting different mechanisms should be investigated. Furthermore, as AD is a progressive disease-causing morbidity over many years, any chemo-modulator for treatment must be used over long period of time. Therefore, treatments must be safe and non-interfering with other processes. Ideally, a treatment like medicinal food or a supplement that can be taken regularly without any side effect capable of reducing oxidative stress, stabilizing mitochondria, activating autophagy or proteasome, and increasing energy levels of neurons would be the best solution. This review summarizes progress in research on different mechanisms of AD development and some of the potential therapeutic development strategies targeting the aforementioned pathologies.

The STatin Adverse Treatment Experience Survey: Experience of patients reporting side effects of statin therapy.

BACKGROUND: It is important to understand patients' experiences of statin-associated adverse effects to potentially identify those at risk for stopping treatment. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the STatin Adverse Treatment Experience survey was to describe patients' experiences after reporting ≥1 recent statin-associated adverse event and identify opportunities to improve adherence and outcomes. METHODS: The survey was developed in 3 stages: qualitative item development, pilot evaluation of initial item performance, and quantitative evaluation using a large commercial sample. Respondents with self-reported high cholesterol who had taken a statin in the past 2 years and experienced ≥1 statin-associated symptom in the past 6 months were included (N = 1500). RESULTS: Mean age was 58 years, 40.3% were men, and 43.2% had tried ≥2 statins. Many had clinical comorbidities associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, 22.5%; diabetes, 25.8%; hypertension, 56.0%). The most important patient-reported reasons for continuing current statin therapy (n = 1168; 77.9%) were avoiding a heart attack or stroke, lowering cholesterol, and doctor recommendation. Being bothered by and not being able to tolerate side effects were the main reasons respondents discontinued statins (n = 332; 22.1%). Respondents who discontinued statins reported significantly higher mean Symptom Severity (10.6 vs 8.7, P < .001) and Impact Severity scores (11.8 vs 9.8, P < .001) compared with those who continued. CONCLUSION: The STatin Adverse Treatment Experience survey highlights the importance of patients' adverse experiences with statins and how symptom and impact scores affect decisions to continue or discontinue therapy. These data provide a foundation to increase providers' awareness of statin tolerability from the patient's perspective and encourage benefit-risk discussions.

Provider recommendations for patient-reported muscle symptoms on statin therapy: Insights from the Understanding Statin Use in America and Gaps in Patient Education survey.

BACKGROUND: Statin-associated muscle symptoms are reported by 10% to 29% of patients in clinical practice and are a major determinant of statin nonadherence, discontinuation, and switching. Little is known about what advice patients receive from their providers when dealing with these symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess patient's reports of provider advice when experiencing new or worsened muscle symptoms while taking a statin. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the Understanding Statin Use in America and Gaps in Education survey, a self-administered internet-based survey of 10,138 adults with a reported history of high cholesterol and statin use. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 60% of former statin users (n = 1220) reported ever experiencing new or worsened muscle pain on a statin, in contrast to 25% of current users (n = 8918; P < .001). Former statin users reported stopping more statins because of muscle symptoms (mean ± standard deviation, 2.2 ± 1.7) compared with current users (mean 1.6 ± 1.5, P < .0001). For those with muscle-related symptoms while on a statin, participants reported that providers most often suggested switching to another statin (33.8%), stopping the statin (15.9%), continuing the statin with further monitoring of muscle symptoms (12.2%), reducing the statin dose (9.8%), or getting a blood test for signs of muscle damage (9.2%). A lower percentage were advised to add either vitamin D (7.0%) or coenzyme Q10 (5.8%), or to switch to nonstatin therapy (6.1%) or red yeast rice (2.6%). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights patient experience with statin-associated muscle symptoms and the strategies recommended by providers in managing these symptoms. More research is needed to develop patient-centric and evidence-based approaches to managing statin-associated muscle symptoms, which is especially important in light of recent data showing increased cardiovascular risk among those who discontinue statin therapy.

Ubisol-Q10 (a Nanomicellar Water-Soluble Formulation of CoQ10) Treatment Inhibits Alzheimer-Type Behavioral and Pathological Symptoms in a Double Transgenic Mouse (TgAPEswe, PSEN1dE9) Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

 Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative pathologies for which there are no effective therapies to halt disease progression. Given the increase in the incidence of this disorder, there is an urgent need for pharmacological intervention. Unfortunately, recent clinical trials produced disappointing results. Molecular mechanisms of AD are converging on the notion that mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and accumulation of dysfunctional proteins are involved in AD pathology. Previously, we have shown that a water-soluble formulation of Coenzyme Q10 (Ubisol-Q10), an integral part of the electron transport chain, stabilizes mitochondria and prevents neuronal cell death caused by neurotoxins or oxidative stress both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we evaluated the neuroprotective effects of Ubisol-Q10 treatment in double transgenic AD mice. In the present study, we report that providing Ubisol-Q10 in drinking water (at a dose of ∼6 mg/kg/day) reduced circulating amyloid-ß (Aß) peptide, improved long term memory, preserved working spatial memory, and drastically inhibited Aß plaque formation in 18-month-old transgenic mice compared to an untreated transgenic group. Thus Ubisol-Q10 supplementation has the potential to inhibit the progression of neurodegeneration, leading to a better quality of life for humans suffering with AD.

Barriers to PCSK9 inhibitor prescriptions for patients with high cardiovascular risk: Results of a healthcare provider survey conducted by the National Lipid Association.

BACKGROUND: Statin therapy is recommended for reducing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. Significant risk can remain because of insufficient clinical response or statin intolerance. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 (PCSK9) therapy lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and has recently been shown to lower ASCVD events. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the barriers and challenges experienced with the access and approval reimbursement process for PCSK9 inhibitor prescriptions. METHODS: In 2016, the National Lipid Association conducted an online survey on PCSK9 inhibitor use and barriers to prescription among experienced healthcare workers who provide care to high-risk patients with ASCVD or familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). RESULTS: There were 434 respondent healthcare workers with extensive experience in treating lipid disorders. PCSK9 inhibitors are considered by 71.3% of respondent providers with statin-intolerant patients. There were high rates (>85%) of initial denial. The major barriers to approvals were insurer processes, provider documentation (inadequate documentation of maximally tolerated statin dose, diagnostic criteria for FH, number of statins failed if statin intolerant and most recent low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and administrative burden (time, staff, paperwork, and appeals). Provider approval rates for getting ≥75% patients approved were higher for FH (43%) than for ASCVD patients (36%). Among providers with good approval rates, documentation was the most critical factor. Barriers more difficult to overcome include perceived higher threshold requirements by payers, drugs not on formulary, and drug costs. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare providers encounter significant barriers to PCSK9 inhibitor prescriptions; many of these are related to documentation issues and can be overcome with checklists, staff support, and experience.

Gender differences in side effects and attitudes regarding statin use in the Understanding Statin Use in America and Gaps in Patient Education (USAGE) study.

BACKGROUND: Statin therapy has been shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and the benefits of statin therapy are similar for men and women. Recent studies have shown that women are less likely to be treated with statin therapy, to be on higher doses of more potent statins, and to achieve their lipid goals as compared with men. OBJECTIVES: To analyze results from the Understanding Statin Use in America and Gaps in Patient Education (USAGE) survey and to assess whether women differ from men with regard to reported side effects associated with statin use, clinician and patient interactions, as well as general attitudes and preferences regarding statin use. METHODS: The study population was derived from participants in the USAGE survey, a self-administered, Internet-based questionnaire. RESULTS: More women reported switching or stopping a statin because of side effects compared with men. New or worsening muscle symptoms were reported in 31% of women compared with 26% of men (P < .01). More women, including high-risk women reported that their doctor did not give them information about their risk for heart disease compared with men. Women were more likely to try 3 or more statins, but less likely to use alternative low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-lowering drugs. Women were more likely to be dissatisfied with their statin, with how their clinician explained their cholesterol treatment, and less adherent to their statin than men. CONCLUSIONS: Women are more likely to stop or switch their statin than men, and the main reason for this was new or worsening muscle symptoms. Improved communication between the clinician and the patient about the benefits and risks of statin therapy will improve adherence, lipid goal attainment, and outcomes in women with or at risk for cardiovascular disease.

Metabolic syndrome is associated with muscle symptoms among statin users.

BACKGROUND: Muscle symptoms have been associated with statin use, but the relationship of statin-associated muscle symptoms with metabolic syndrome (MS) has not been reported previously. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationships between MS and its individual components with statin-associated muscle symptoms. METHODS: Data were analyzed from the Understanding Statin Use in America and Gaps in Education (USAGE) study. Modified criteria to define the MS were used based on self-reported survey data. RESULTS: Among USAGE subjects, the MS was present in 1364 of 3992 men (34.2%) and in 1716 women of 6149 women (27.9%). Subjects with the MS were 19% more likely (P = .0002) to report new or worsening muscle symptoms while on a statin. Three MS criteria-increased BMI, elevated triglycerides (TG), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)-were associated with increased odds of muscle symptoms, by 18%, 32%, and 28%, respectively (all P < .001). The presence of MS also predicted increased odds of having discontinued a statin due to muscle symptoms (13% higher, P = .043). Among criteria for the MS, elevated TG (38% higher odds, P < .0001) and low HDL-C (37% higher odds, P = .0003) were positively associated with statin discontinuation, whereas hypertension (13% lower odds, P = .019) and diabetes mellitus (12% lower odds, P = .036) were inversely associated. CONCLUSION: USAGE participants with MS were more likely to report experiencing muscle symptoms while taking a statin and to have discontinued a statin due to muscle symptoms. This appears to be attributable mainly to associations of muscle symptoms with elevated TG and low HDL-C levels. Additional research is warranted to confirm and further investigate these associations.

Rats (Rattus norvegicus) flexibly retrieve objects' non-spatial and spatial information from their visuospatial working memory: effects of integrated and separate processing of these features in a missing-object recognition task.

After being trained to find a previous missing object within an array of four different objects, rats received occasional probe trials with such test arrays rotated from that of their respective three-object study arrays. Only animals exposed to each object's non-spatial features consistently paired with both its spatial features (feeder's relative orientation and direction) in the first experiment or with only feeder's relative orientation in the second experiment (Fixed Configuration groups) were adversely affected by probe trial test array rotations. This effect, however, was less persistent for this group in the second experiment but re-emerged when objects' non-spatial features were later rendered uninformative. Animals that had both types of each object's features randomly paired over trials but not between a trial's study and test array (Varied Configuration groups) were not adversely affected on probe trials but improved their missing-object recognition in the first experiment. These findings suggest that the Fixed Configuration groups had integrated each object's non-spatial with both (in Experiment 1) or one (in Experiment 2) of its spatial features to construct a single representation that they could not easily compare to any object in a rotated probe test array. The Varied Configuration groups must maintain separate representations of each object's features to solve this task. This prevented them from exhibiting such adverse effects on rotated probe trial test arrays but enhanced the rats' missing-object recognition in the first experiment. We discussed how rats' flexible use (retrieval) of encoded information from their visuospatial working memory corresponds to that of humans' visuospatial memory in object change detection and complex object recognition tasks. We also discussed how foraging-specific factors may have influenced each group's performance in this task.

Rats anticipate damaged rungs on the elevated ladder: Applications for rodent models of Parkinson's disease.

The present study examined rats' ability to anticipate undetectable wider gaps between rungs produced when they stepped on and dislodged damaged rungs while they traversed a slightly inclined elevated ladder. Rats in the first of three experiments reduced running speeds when they encountered four evenly spaced damaged rungs either always placed on the first or second half of the ladder (the break-a-way (BW) phase) but quickly recovered to their baseline (BL) levels when damaged rungs where replaced with intact rungs (the recovery phase). Rats previously exposed to damaged rungs over the first half of the ladder increased their speeds above BL on its second "safer" half during the recovery phase, a delayed "relief-like" positive contrast effect. In Experiment 2, other rats decreased their speeds more as they approached a single damaged rung at a fixed location when it occurred before than after the mid-point of the ladder. Although they quickly recovered to BL speeds on the portion of the ladder after the damaged rung or replaced intact rung, they never showed any "relief-like"/escape effects. Rats also reduced their likelihood of dislodging the damaged rung with a fore paw over extended BW training. In the third experiment rats encountered a more easily dislodged damaged rung that was signaled by a closer intact rung on half the trials. Under these conditions rats displayed a more reliable positive contrast "relief-like" effect. We discussed how traditional associative and cognitive theories of aversive conditioning account for these findings and their relationship to normal changes in dopamine production and possible effects of reduced production from the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) in the Basal ganglia in rodent models of Parkinson's disease.

Genetic susceptibility model of Parkinson's disease resulting from exposure of DJ-1 deficient mice to MPTP: evaluation of neuroprotection by Ubisol-Q10.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease arises from a combination of environmental and genetic risk factors. At present neither the curative nor preventative therapies are available; hence, there is an urgent need to develop reliable animal models to facilitate their development. Water soluble nanomiceller formulation of CoQ10 (Ubisol-Q10) has shown neuroprotection against neurotoxin on human neuronal cells. We have combined the genetic deficiency of DJ-1/PARK7 mice with MPTP exposure and develop a genetic susceptibility model of PD and evaluated the neuroprotective efficacy of (Ubisol-Q10). METHODS: Transgenic mice with DJ-1 deficiency (DJ-1/PARK7) were given either water or Ubisol-Q10 prophylactically at a dose of 6 mg/kg/day added directly to a drinking water for one month followed challenged with MPTP injections while keeping the same drinking water regiments. Four weeks after the last injection we evaluated neuroprotective efficacy of Ubisol-Q10 in DJ-1/MPTP model of PD using histochemical and behavioral readouts. RESULTS: We confirmed genetic susceptibility to MPTP and showed that prophylactic oral treatment with Ubisol-Q10 significantly offset the neurotoxicity and ameliorated motor dysfunction, otherwise correlated with the MPTP injury. CONCLUSION: Ubisol-Q10 protects against MPTP-induced neurodegeneration and motor dysfunction in DJ-1 deficient mice. Ubisol-Q10 might be a treatment prospect for people genetically predisposed to PD as well as with sporadic PD.

Muscle symptoms in statin users, associations with cytochrome P450, and membrane transporter inhibitor use: a subanalysis of the USAGE study.

BACKGROUND: Drug interactions have been identified as a risk factor for muscle-related side effects in statin users. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to assess whether use of medications that inhibit cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isozymes, organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1), or P-glycoprotein (P-gp) are associated with muscle-related symptoms among current and former statin users. METHODS: Persons (n = 10,138) from the Understanding Statin Use in America and Gaps in Education (USAGE) internet survey were categorized about whether they ever reported new or worsening muscle pain while taking a statin (n = 2935) or ever stopped a statin because of muscle pain (n = 1516). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess associations between use of concomitant therapies that inhibit CYP450 isozymes, OATP1B1, P-gp, or a combination and muscle-related outcomes. RESULTS: In multivariate analyses, concomitant use of a CYP450 inhibitor was associated with increased odds for new or worse muscle pain (odds ratio [OR] = 1.42; P < .001) or ever having stopped a statin because of muscle pain (OR = 1.28; P = .037). Concomitant use of medication known to inhibit both OATP1B1 and P-gp was also associated with increased odds (OR = 1.80; P = .030) of ever having stopped a statin because of muscle pain. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant use of medication(s) that inhibit statin metabolism was associated with increased odds of new or worse muscle pain while taking a statin and having previously stopped a statin because of muscle symptoms. These data emphasize the importance of enhancing the capabilities of clinicians and health systems for identifying and reducing statin drug interactions.

Orally delivered water soluble Coenzyme Q10 (Ubisol-Q10) blocks on-going neurodegeneration in rats exposed to paraquat: potential for therapeutic application in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Paraquat, still used as an herbicide in some parts of the world, is now regarded as a dangerous environmental neurotoxin and is linked to the development Parkinson's disease (PD). Paraquat interacts with cellular redox systems and causes mitochondrial dysfunction and the formation of reactive oxygen species, which in turn, plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of PD. Various antioxidant therapies have been explored with the expectations that they deliver health benefits to the PD patients, however, no such therapies were effective. Here we have tested the neuroprotective efficacy of a novel water-soluble CoQ10 (Ubisol-Q10), in a rat model of paraquat-induced neurodegeneration in order to evaluate its potential application in the management of PD. RESULTS: We have developed a rat model of progressive nigrostriatal degeneration by giving rats five intraperitoneal injections of paraquat (10 mg/kg/injection), once every five days. Neuronal death occurred over a period of 8 weeks with close to 50% reduction in the number of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells. Ubisol-Q10, at 6 mg CoQ10/kg body weight/day, was delivered as a supplement in drinking water. The intervention begun after the completion of paraquat injections when the neurodegenerative process had already began and about 20% of TH-positive neurons were lost. Ubisol-Q10 treatment halted the progression of neurodegeneration and remaining neurons were protected. The outcomes were evaluated based on the number of surviving tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons in the substantia nigra region and improved motor skills in response to the Ubisol-Q10 intervention. To maintain this neuroprotection, however, continuous Ubisol- Q10 supplementation was required, if withdrawn, the neuronal death pathway resumed, suggesting that the presence of CoQ10 was essential for blocking the pathway. CONCLUSION: The CoQ10, given orally as Ubisol-Q10 in drinking solution, was effective in blocking the progression of neurodegeneration when administered therapeutically (post-toxin injection), at a much lower concentration than other previously tested oil soluble formulations and well within the acceptable daily intake of 12 mg/kg/day. Such unprecedented neuroprotection has never been reported before. These results are very encouraging and suggest that Ubisol-Q10 should be further tested and developed as a therapy for halting the progression of PD.

Effect of health information technology interventions on lipid management in clinical practice: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Large gaps in lipid treatment and medication adherence persist in high-risk outpatients in the United States. Health information technology (HIT) is being applied to close quality gaps in chronic illness care, but its utility for lipid management has not been widely studied. OBJECTIVE: To perform a qualitative review of the impact of HIT interventions on lipid management processes of care (screening or testing; drug initiation, titration or adherence; or referrals) or clinical outcomes (percent at low density lipoprotein cholesterol goal; absolute lipid levels; absolute risk scores; or cardiac hospitalizations) in outpatients with coronary heart disease or at increased risk. METHODS: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched using Medical Subject Headings related to clinical informatics and cholesterol or lipid management. English language articles that described a randomized controlled design, tested at least one HIT tool in high risk outpatients, and reported at least 1 lipid management process measure or clinical outcome, were included. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies that enrolled 87,874 persons were identified. Study ratings, outcomes, and magnitude of effects varied widely. Twenty-three trials reported a significant positive effect from a HIT tool on lipid management, but only 14 showed evidence that HIT interventions improve clinical outcomes. There was mixed evidence that provider-level computerized decision support improves outcomes. There was more evidence in support of patient-level tools that provide connectivity to the healthcare system, as well as system-level interventions that involve database monitoring and outreach by centralized care teams. CONCLUSION: Randomized controlled trials show wide variability in the effects of HIT on lipid management outcomes. Evidence suggests that multilevel HIT approaches that target not only providers but include patients and systems approaches will be needed to improve lipid treatment, adherence and quality.

Use of health information technology (HIT) to improve statin adherence and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment in high-risk patients: proceedings from a workshop.

The workshop discussions focused on how low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment can be enhanced with the use of health information technology (HIT) in different clinical settings. A gap is acknowledged in LDL-C goal attainment, but because of the passage of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Acts there is now reason for optimism that this gap can be narrowed. For HIT to be effectively used to achieve treatment goals, it must be implemented in a setting in which the health care team is fully committed to achieving these goals. Implementation of HIT alone has not resulted in reducing the gap. It is critical to build an effective management strategy into the HIT platform without increasing the overall work/time burden on staff. By enhancing communication between the health care team and the patient, more timely adjustments to treatment plans can be made with greater opportunity for LDL-C goal attainment and improved efficiency in the long run. Patients would be encouraged to take a more active role. Support tools are available. The National Lipid Association has developed a toolkit designed to improve patient compliance and could be modified for use in an HIT system. The importance of a collaborative approach between nongovernmental organizations such as the National Lipid Association, National Quality Forum, HIT partners, and other members of the health care industry offers the best opportunity for long-term success and the real possibility that such efforts could be applied to other chronic conditions, for example, diabetes and hypertension.

Predictors of statin adherence, switching, and discontinuation in the USAGE survey: understanding the use of statins in America and gaps in patient education.

BACKGROUND: Although statins have been shown to reduce cardiovascular disease mortality, less than half of U.S. adults achieve their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal. In many patients initiated on a statin, adherence rates decrease over time. OBJECTIVE: To characterize current and former statin users, identify reasons for the discontinuation or switching of statins, and identify factors associated with adherence. METHODS: The USAGE survey is a cross-sectional, self-administered Internet-based survey of 10,138 U.S. adults fielded September to October 2011. The following statin users were identified and compared: adherent nonswitchers, adherent switchers, non-adherent switchers, and discontinuers. Univariate and multivariate models using a priori covariates for adherence and discontinuation were examined. RESULTS: Most participants were current statin users who adhered with their prescribed statin (82.5%, n = 8371). Former statin users or discontinuers (12%, n = 1220) cited muscle pain, a side effect, as the primary reason for discontinuation (60%), followed by cost (16%), and then perceived lack of efficacy (13%). Discontinuers were less satisfied with their physicians' explanation of cholesterol treatment, more likely to use the Internet to research statins, and less likely to undergo frequent cholesterol monitoring. Among adherent statin users, the primary reasons for switching were muscle side effects (33%) and cost (32%). Individuals at risk for non-adherence included those with low household income, those who experienced muscle pain as a side effect while on statin therapy, and those taking medication for cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: Statin-related muscle side effects are common and contribute significantly to rates of discontinuation, switching, and non-adherence. Improved physician patient communication about side effects and benefits of statins are necessary to improve both adherence and outcomes.