[Lipids and lipoproteins in chronic alcoholism. Outcome after alcohol withdrawal]

The plasma lipids and lipoproteins changes observed in chronic alcoholic subjects and their modifications after cessation of drinking were studied in 379 patients admitted for alcohol withdrawal. The modifications were evaluated after one month (n = 348), 6 months (n = 56) and one year (n = 29) of abstinence. A significant decrease of HDL-cholesterol and apo A-I levels was noted after one year. HDL-cholesterol, apo A-I and apo B showed a biphasic variation with significant post-withdrawal changes which became less pronounced after 6 months of abstinence. The authors insist on the need for a prolonged post-withdrawal monitoring of plasma lipoproteins and apolipoproteins levels to evaluate the consequences of cessation of major chronic alcohol abuse. This study shows that the variations of plasma lipids and lipoproteins levels observed in heavy drinkers are similar to those observed in moderate drinkers, whereas the incidence of cardiovascular diseases seems to be higher in the former than in the latter.