[Intralipid infusion in familial hypercholesterolemia]

Intralipid, used for intravenous alimentation and containing triglyceride emulsion particles and phospholipid liposomes, has been shown to induce regression of atherosclerosis in experimental animals. Intravenous infusions of Intralipid were given to 2 patients with severe familial hypercholesterolemia refractory to conventional therapy, and to control subjects. Intracellular cholesterol esterification was inhibited in macrophages incubated with serum taken during infusions as compared to the preinfusion state, with maximal effect after 6 h of infusion. A significant decrease in platelet aggregation was also demonstrated in both groups, which persisted for 18 h after infusion. We conclude that infusion of Intralipid may have anti-atherogenic effects and plan to use it in patients with severe atherosclerosis.