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Analysis of efficacy and safety in patients aged 65-75 years at randomization: Collaborative Atorvastatin Diabetes

H Andrew W Neil1, David A DeMicco, Don Luo

  • 1Division of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK. andrew.neil@wolfson.ox.ac.uk

Diabetes Care
|October 27, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Older patients with type 2 diabetes benefit significantly from atorvastatin, a statin therapy, showing substantial cardiovascular risk reduction comparable to younger individuals. This study confirms the efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in elderly populations.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is highest in the elderly.
  • Statin therapy effectively reduces CVD risk proportionally in all age groups.
  • Limited data exist on statin efficacy in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in older (65-75 years) versus younger patients with type 2 diabetes.
  • To analyze data from the Collaborative Atorvastatin Diabetes Study (CARDS) via post hoc analysis.

Main Methods:

  • Post hoc analysis of the CARDS randomized placebo-controlled trial.
  • Included 1,129 patients aged 65-75 years and 1,709 younger patients.
  • Primary endpoint: time to first major cardiovascular event (acute coronary heart disease, revascularization, or stroke).

Main Results:

  • Atorvastatin reduced relative risk of major cardiovascular events by 38% in older patients and 37% in younger patients.
  • Absolute risk reductions were 3.9% in older and 2.7% in younger patients.
  • Atorvastatin demonstrated a similar safety profile across both age groups.

Conclusions:

  • Statin therapy, specifically atorvastatin, offers substantial absolute and relative benefits for older patients with type 2 diabetes.
  • Treatment with atorvastatin is warranted for all eligible patients with type 2 diabetes unless contraindicated.
Abstract

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