Effect of probucol on hyperlipidemia in patients with nephrotic syndrome

We have evaluated the effect of the antihyperlipidemic agent probucol on hyperlipidemia in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Twelve patients with long-standing nephrotic syndrome received 500 mg of probucol daily for 12 weeks. Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly lowered with probucol treatment. There were no differences in urine protein, serum total protein, serum albumin and renal function before and after probucol treatment. No drug-related side effects were observed during our study. These results indicated that probucol was effective against hyperlipidemia and free from side effects in patients with persistent nephrotic syndrome. The use of probucol is therefore suggested to be advisable when antihyperlipidemic treatment is required in some subgroups of nephrotic syndrome.