Comparison of effects of fibrates in patients with hypertriglyceridemia

It has long been known that antihyperlipidemic agents categorized as fibrates are capable of reducing triglyceride concentrations, although the superiority of one over another remains questionable. In the present study, investigators compared treatment results from various fibrates. In all, 60 patients aged 54.1+/-12 y with hypertriglyceridemia were included in the study. Patients who had increased values on liver function tests, had been given a diagnosis of hypothyroidism or chronic renal failure, and who needed statin medication were excluded. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the medication given; treatments consisted of Lipanthyl 1 x 1, Lipofentrade mark 1 x 1, Lopid 1 x 1, and Lopid 2 x 1. Biochemical and hematologic parameters of patients were recorded at the first visit and at the end of the 2-mo treatment period. A total of 18 patients (30%) were given Lipanthyl 1 x 1, 14 (23.3%) received Lipofen 1 x 1, 16 (26.7%) were treated with Lopid 1 x 1, and 12 (20%) were given Lopid 2 x 1. Effects on triglyceride values were assessed in all groups. Lopid 1 x 1 and Lopid 2 x 1 produced significant decreases in triglyceride values. Most adverse effects were reported in the group given Lopid 2 x 1. In the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia, fibrates have similar effects on tolerability and reliability. However, study findings indicated that Lopid 1 x 1 and 2 x 1 treatments have greater efficacy.