Reduction of serum lipids by means of etiroxate (Liponorm)

Ten out-patients with primary Type IIa hyperlipoproteinemia and a further 10 with Types IIb, IV, and V were administered with DL-alpha-methyl-thyroxine ethyl ester (etiroxate) (20 mg twice daily) for an average of 308 days. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of the drug on the cholesterol and triglyceride levels, tolerance and side-effects, particularly in coronary patients. The T4 values rose in all but one patient and fell again when the drug was discontinued. In Type IIa patients cholesterol fell by an average of 75.5 mg/100 ml (20.6%) as compared with the period before treatment and normal triglyceride levels dropped by 17 mg/100 ml (12.6%). In Type IIb, IV and V patients cholesterol levels decreased by 69.1 mg/100 ml (21%) during treatment. Serum triglycerides, which in some patients were extremely high before treatment were only slightly affected, falling by an average of 165.3 mg/100 ml (22.8%). For the whole group of patients the fall in cholesterol during treatment was highly significant in comparison with the period before and after therapy, whereas the changes in the triglycerides were not significant. Only one patient had an increase in the frequency of angina pectoris attacks; another showed temporary restlessness and slies, were not observed. Red and white cell counts, differential blood count, thrombocytes, the transaminases SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, urinalysis and erythrocyte sedimentation rate did not change during treatment. There was no lasting increase in pulse rate in any patient and no significant changes in systolic-diastolic blood pressure. ECG showed no rhythm disorders nor any other changes which were not present before treatment was initiated.