Blood rheology changes during bezafibrate treatment

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is associated with altered haemorheological patterns.
• Impaired blood flow contributes to cardiovascular complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of bezafibrate on haemorheological parameters in non-diabetic patients with atherosclerosis.
• To assess bezafibrate's impact on blood viscosity, hematocrit, and coagulation factors.

Main Methods:

• A 45-day double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 30 atherosclerotic non-diabetic patients.
• Patients received either bezafibrate (600 mg daily) or placebo after a 3-week washout period.
• Evaluated parameters included whole-blood, plasma, and serum viscosity, hematocrit, fibrinogen, fibrinogen/albumin ratio, and erythrocyte filterability.

Main Results:

• Bezafibrate treatment significantly reduced whole-blood viscosity.
• A significant decrease was observed in hematocrit and fibrinogen levels with bezafibrate.
• No significant changes were noted in plasma viscosity, serum viscosity, or erythrocyte filterability.

Conclusions:

• Bezafibrate demonstrates a positive effect on haemorheological patterns in atherosclerotic patients.
• The drug effectively reduces key factors contributing to impaired blood flow.
• Bezafibrate may offer therapeutic benefits in managing atherosclerosis-related circulatory issues.