Dataset Information

The efficacy and tolerability of 'polypills': meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

ABSTRACT:

Background

To assess the blood pressure and lipid-lowering efficacy and tolerability of 'polypills' used in cardiovascular disease prevention trials.

Methodology/principal findings

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Search strategy

The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, and PubMed databases were searched for eligible trials. Study inclusion criteria: Randomised controlled trials of at least six weeks duration, which compared a 'polypill' (that included at least one anti-hypertensive and one lipid-lowering medication) with a placebo (or one active component).

Outcome measures

Change from baseline in systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and total and LDL-cholesterol; discontinuation of study medication and reported adverse effects. Of 44 potentially eligible studies, six trials (including 2,218 patients without previous cardiovascular disease) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo, 'polypills' reduced systolic blood pressure by -9.2 mmHg (95% confidence interval (CI): -13.4, -5.0) diastolic blood pressure by -5.0 mmHg (95%CI: -7.4, -2.6), total cholesterol by -1.22 mmol/L (95%CI: -1.60, -0.84) and LDL-cholesterol by -1.02 mmol/L (95%CI: -1.37, -0.67). However, those taking a 'polypill' (vs. placebo or component) were more likely to discontinue medication (20% vs 14%) (Odds ratio: 1.5 (95% CI: 1.2, 1.9)). There was no significant difference in reported adverse effects amongst those on a 'polypill' (36% vs. 28%) (OR: 1.3 (95%CI: 0.7, 2.5)). There was high statistical heterogeneity in comparisons for blood pressure and lipid-lowering but use of random-effects and quality-effects models produced very similar results.

Conclusions/significance

Compared with placebo, the 'polypills' reduced blood pressure and lipids. Tolerability was lower amongst those on 'polypills' than those on placebo or one component, but differences were moderate. Effectiveness trials are needed to help clarify the status of 'polypills' in primary care and prevention strategies.

SUBMITTER: Elley CR

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3526586 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

The efficacy and tolerability of 'polypills': meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Elley C Raina CR Gupta Ajay K AK Webster Ruth R Selak Vanessa V Jun Min M Patel Anushka A Rodgers Anthony A Thom Simon S

PloS one 20121219 12

<h4>Background</h4>To assess the blood pressure and lipid-lowering efficacy and tolerability of 'polypills' used in cardiovascular disease prevention trials.<h4>Methodology/principal findings</h4>Systematic review and meta-analysis.<h4>Search strategy</h4>The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, and PubMed databases were searched for eligible trials. Study inclusion criteria: Randomised controlled trials of at least six weeks duration, which compared a 'polypill' (that includ ...[more]

PMID: 23284906

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Dataset Information

The efficacy and tolerability of 'polypills': meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Background

Methodology/principal findings

Search strategy

Outcome measures

Conclusions/significance

Publications

The efficacy and tolerability of 'polypills': meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

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