[Cholestyramine in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Our experience in 11 cases]

Bile acid sequestrant resins are considered agents of choice in the therapy of hypercholesterolemia non responsive to diet treatment. We evaluated the effects of cholestyramine, 12 g per day during 4 weeks, in 11 adult patients with severe hypercholesterolemia. Total cholesterol decreased from 414 +/- 112 to 302 +/- 140 mg/dl (28%), LDL cholesterol from 330 +/- 122 to 226 +/- 143 (33%) and Apo B lipoprotein from 141 +/- 31 to 115 +/- 34 mg/dl (18%), p < 0.01. HDL cholesterol including fractions HDL2 and HDL3, Apo A1 and Triglyceride levels were not modified. No significant side effects on gastrointestinal function were observed. Thus, we confirm that cholestyramine is an effective therapy for severe hypercholesterolemia.