Impact of Optimal Pharmacotherapy on Lipid Profile and Qualitative Features of Atherosclerotic Plaques

Lipid accumulation, with mostly emphasized role of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), is the pathogenetic cornerstone of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Standard hypolipidemic therapy, based on statins and ezetimibe, does not always decrease LDL-C levels enough to achieve therapeutic goals. A novel and promising direction is inhibition of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in hepatocytes, subsequently reducing LDL-C receptor degradation and increasing intracellular LDL-C uptake. Aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of optimal hypolipidemic pharmacotherapy, including PCSK9 inhibitors and inclisiran, on plasma lipid profile and qualitative features of atherosclerotic plaques in very-high cardiovascular risk patients. This study enrolls patients with an established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, receiving PCSK9 inhibitors or inclisiran as add-on treatment to statins in maximally tolerated dose and/or ezetimibe. Effect of hypolipidemic pharmacotherapy is evaluated by analysis of plasma lipid profile parameter changes and qualitative features of atherosclerotic plaques using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging (NIRS-IVUS) method. Results of the study would be sufficient for complementing evidence regarding therapeutic strategy in very-high cardiovascular risk patients.