Improvement in muscle function after 2 months of statin withdrawal is
not influenced by treatment intensity in patients with statin-associated
muscle symptoms
Abstract
Statin prescription intensity, defined by statin type and dose required
to achieve a targeted decrease in plasma low-density
lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), has been involved in statin-associated
muscle symptoms (SAMS) development. This study aimed to assess whether
muscle function improved differentially according to treatment intensity
after two months of statin withdrawal in patients self-reporting SAMS.
Patients (53.0±8.4 years [Mean±SD]) undergoing primary
cardiovascular prevention were divided in two groups: low to moderate
(n=49, targeted plasma LDL-C reduction <50%) and high (n=12,
≥50%). Strength, endurance, and power in extension and flexion of the
dominant leg, and handgrip strength were measured using dynamometers.
SAMS intensity was assessed using a 0-10 visual analog scale. After
withdrawal, repeated-measures analyses showed improvements for 7/8
performance variables (+7.2 to +13.3%, all p<0.05), concomitant
with a decrease in SAMS intensity (5.09 to 1.85, p<0.01), with
no between-group difference. The improvement of muscle function
following withdrawal was not differentiated according to treatment
intensity.