Abstract

Objective: To compare the effects of statin monotherapy versus combination therapy with statin and niacin on total cholesterol, triglycerides, and liver enzymes in newly diagnosed hyperlipidemic patients with fatty liver changes.
Methodology: This prospective cohort study was conducted at Shaikh Zayed Hospital from Ist January 2024 to 3Ist March 2024. Study subjects (44) of both genders with newly diagnosed hyperlipidemia and fatty liver changes were divided into two groups. Group A received Atorvastatin (20 mg/day), while Group B received Atorvastatin (20 mg/day) and niacin (1000 mg/day in divided doses) orally. Blood samples were collected at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment for lipid profile and liver enzymes and liver changes were assessed via ultrasonography.
Results: Group B patients showed more decrease in total cholesterol (TC) (204±19 mg/dL), Triglycerides (TG)(154±39 mg/dL), Aspartate transaminase (AST)(32±1.9 IU/L) and Alanine transaminase (ALT) (34+2.0 IU/L) from baseline TC (233±31 mg/dL), TG (196±71 mg/dL), AST(37+0.4 IU/L) and ALT(39+0.9 IU/L) as compared to group A TC (237±30 mg/dL), TG (197±63 mg/dL), AST (35+1.6 IU/L) and ALT(38+1.7) from baseline values TC (237±30 mg), TG (197±63 mg/dL), AST (35+1.6 IU/L), ALT(40+1.5 IU/L). Ultrasound report also showed 61% improvement in fatty changes in group B as compared to 25% in group A.
Conclusion: Combination therapy with statin and niacin was more effective in reducing TC and TG, liver enzyme and improving fatty liver changes compared to statin alone. This suggests that combination therapy may offer added benefits for managing fatty liver disease.

Key words: Hyperlipidemia, fatty liver changes, statin, niacin, total cholesterol, triglyceride.