The Lescol(R) Intervention Prevention Study (LIPS): a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of the long-term effects of fluvastatin after successful transcatheter therapy in patients with coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND: The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) inhibit atherosclerosis and reduce both morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease. No randomised prospective study, however, has investigated the long-term effect of statins on clinical outcomes in patients who have undergone first successful transcatheter therapy. METHODS: The Lescol((R)) Intervention Prevention Study (LIPS) is a double-blind randomized trial designed to compare the effect of fluvastatin (Lescol) with that of placebo on the time which patients with serum cholesterol >/= 3.5 mmol/l and < 7.0 mmol/l (135-270 mg/dl) remain free of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) after successful first transcatheter therapy (TCT). Patients, aged 18-80 years inclusive, will be randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to receive fluvastatin, 40 mg, or placebo, twice daily for three to five years. The primary endpoint is the survival time during which patients remain MACE free after first TCT. Secondary endpoints are the incidence of MACE, noncardiac death, hospitalization for other atherosclerotic diseases, changes in serum lipid concentrations and anginal status. SUMMARY: LIPS is unique because it is the first study that will investigate whether MACE can be prevented or reduced by fluvastatin in patients who have undergone successful first transcatheter therapy for coronary heart disease.