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Speciality Spotlight
Lipoproteins
- M.J. Zema, (Brookhaven Mem Hosp Med Ctr, Patchogue, NY: State Univ of New York, Stony Brook)
Gemfibrozil, Nicotinic Acid and Combination Therapy in Patients with Isolated Hypoalphalipoproteinema: A Randomized, Open-Label, Cross-over Study.
J Am Coll Cardiol 35: 640-646, 2000
This prospective, randomized, open-label cross-over trial was carried out on 23 patients to evaluate the effects of nicotinic acid (NA), gemfibrozil and combination therapy on the lipid profile of patients with clinical atherosclerotic disease and isolated hypoalphalipoproteinemia (low HDL cholesterol [HDL-C]).
Pharmacologic therapy to increase HDL-C is possible and effective with currently available agents, especially when used in combination.
In this study, triglycerides were not a therapeutic target because no patient had triglycerides more than 200mg/dL.
Statin therapy achieves a better reduction in LDL-C than either gem fibrozil or NA. NA is more effective than a statin in increasing HDL-C.
