Background:

There are clear recommendations for lipid management in diabetic patients. A new formula for the calculation of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) would improve the inaccuracy of the Friedewald formula.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to analyze the use of statins and the fulfillment of lipid goals in diabetic patients, evaluating the consequences of applying a new formula for LDL-C calculation.

Methods:

This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study including type 2 diabetic patients over 18 years of age. LDL-C was calculated using the classic Friedewald formula and the new formula. Recommendations of the position document for the appropriate use of statins from the Argentine Society of Cardiology were followed.

Results:

A total of 528 patients were included in the study. In secondary prevention, 77.2% of patients received statins (23.4% high-intensity statins) and 36.6% and 36.0% of these patients achieved the goals of LDL-C below 70% mg/dl and non-HDL-C below 100 mg/dl, respectively. In 20.8% of patients with LDL-C below 70 mg/dl according to the Friedewald formula, this goal was not attained when the new formula was applied. In primary prevention, 62.2% patients with risk factors or white organ damage received statins (14.7% high-intensity statins) and 20.9% and 20.4% achieved the goals of LDL-C below 70% mg/dl and non-HDL-C below 100 mg/dl. In 27.7% of patients with LDL-C below 70 mg/dl using the Friedewald formula, this goal was not reached when applying the new formula. More patients did not achieve the LDL-C goal with the new formula when the triglyceride level was higher.

Conclusion:

In this population, the appropriate use of statins and the fulfillment of lipid goals were poor. Applying the new LDL-C formula optimized the evaluation of these patients.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · English ( pdf ) | Spanish ( pdf )