Abstract WP413: High Purity Eicosapentaenoic Acid In Addition To A Strong Statin Makes Regression Of Intima-media Thickness In Patients With Asymptomatic Cerebral Infarction.

Abstract

Background: JELIS indicated the efficacy of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in addition to statin for coronary events and cerebrovascular events in terms of secondary prevention. 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 to strong statin for carotid plaque using carotid echography and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Methods: Forty patients (mean age 70 y.o.) with asymptomatic cerebral infarction and coronary artery disease who 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 carotid echography was performed before EPA administration and average 8 months later. At the same timing, PWV was recorded. Results: There were no significant changes in lipids profile, PWV and Ankle-Brachial index after randomization between 2 groups. There was significant reduction of intima-media thickness (IMT)in EPA-group compared with non-EPA-group (follow-up IMT - baseline IMT : 015±0.38 vs 0.85±1.2mm,respectively; p<0.05), and there was significant improvement of pulsatility index of carotid echography.(0.94±0.39 vs 1.49 ±0.35; p<0.05). EPA/Arachidonic acid (AA) ratio was increased in EPA-group (0.4±0.3 to 1.2±0.5; p<0.01). The change of IMT during follow-up was significantly associated with the change of EPA/AA ratio (r=0.4, p<0.05). Conclusion: EPA reduced IMT even under the strong statin administration in patients with asymptomatic cerebral infarction.