TITLE:
A Non-Interventional, Prospective, Observational Study to Understand the Usage Pattern, Safety and Effect of Rosuvastatin (RoshalTM) in Dyslipidemia Patients from Democratic Republic of Congo (PEARL Study)
AUTHORS:
Tresor Mude, Raymond Dinaouz
KEYWORDS:
Rosuvastatin, Dyslipidemia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Real-World Evidence, Observational Study, Lipid Profile, Safety, Adherence
JOURNAL NAME:
World Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases,
Vol.16 No.9,
September
10,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Dyslipidemia is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. In sub-Saharan Africa, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the prevalence of dyslipidemia is substantial and rising due to urbanization and changing lifestyles. Rosuvastatin is among the most potent statins available, but real-world data on its usage patterns, safety, and effectiveness in the Congolese population remain limited. Methods: This was a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional, observational study conducted across multiple clinical sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Adult patients (≥18 years) with dyslipidemia prescribed rosuvastatin (RoshalTM) as part of routine clinical care were enrolled. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, lipid parameters, treatment adherence, and adverse events were collected at baseline (visit 1) and at visit 2 (week 12). Changes in lipid parameters and blood pressure were assessed using paired t-tests. Results: A total of 381 patients were enrolled (54.6% female; mean age 56.38 ± 13.20 years). The most common comorbidities were hypertension (58.8%), diabetes (40.2%), and obesity (2.1%). Most patients (50.1%) were prescribed rosuvastatin 10 mg (RoshalTM); 28.3% received 20 mg; and 21.3% received 5 mg. Rosuvastatin (RoshalTM) was newly initiated in all patients; 5.2% had previously received another lipid-lowering medication before switching, most commonly simvastatin. Rosuvastatin significantly reduced LDL-C (18.75% reduction, p = 0.001), total cholesterol (15.70% reduction, p Conclusion: Rosuvastatin (RoshalTM) demonstrated favorable efficacy and safety profiles in Congolese patients with dyslipidemia in real-world clinical practice, with significant improvements in lipid parameters and blood pressure and a low incidence of adverse events. These findings support the use of rosuvastatin as an effective and well-tolerated option for dyslipidemia management in the Congolese population.