Abstract 8893: High Purity Eicosapentaenoic Acid in Addition to a Strong Statin Makes Regression of Coronary Plaque in Patients with Angina Pectoris

Abstract

Background: Japan EPA Lipid Intervention Study ( JELIS ) indicated the efficacy of EPA in addition to the first generation statin for coronary events. However, there are few studies on the efficacy of additional EPA to a strong statin in a manner of randomized controlled study. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of additional EPA for coronary plaque volume ( CPV ) using intracoronary ultrasound ( IVUS ). Methods: Forty patients ( mean age 70 yo ) with angina pectoris who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention ( PCI ) and were administrated 2mg/day of pitavastatin were randomly assigned to EPA-group ( n=20 ) and non-EPA-group ( n=20 ). The patients in EPA-group were additionally administered 1800mg/day of EPA for more than 6 months. In all patients IVUS was performed at the day of PCI and average 8 months later. CPV were obtained at the site with apparent plaque but without clinically significant stenosis. At the same timing, pulse wave velocity ( PWV ) and carotid echography were recorded. Results: There were no significant changes in lipids profile, PWV and carotid echography index after randomization between 2 groups. There was significant reduction of CPV in EPA-group compared with non-EPA-group ( -21.9% vs -1.5% for total atheroma volume and -10.9% vs 4.4% for percent change in percent atheroma volume, respectively; P<0.01 ). EPA/AA ratio was increased in EPA-group ( 0.4±0.3 to 1.2±0.5; p<0.01 ). Conclusion: EPA reduced CPV even under the strong statin administration.