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Usefulness of probucol in treating primary hypercholesterolemia
Canadian Medical Association Journal
|October 18, 1980
Summary
Probucol effectively lowers cholesterol in familial hypercholesterolemia patients resistant to clofibrate. This study shows probucol is a viable treatment option for those unresponsive to other therapies.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder characterized by high cholesterol levels.
- Clofibrate is a medication used to lower cholesterol, but some patients are resistant to its effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of probucol in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia who are resistant to clofibrate.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind crossover trial involving 16 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.
- Patients were previously tested for their response to clofibrate.
- Probucol was administered at a dose of 1 g per day.
Main Results:
- Probucol reduced plasma cholesterol by 15% or more in 5 of 12 clofibrate-resistant patients (mean reduction 20.2%).
- An additional 3 clofibrate-resistant patients showed an 8-15% cholesterol reduction.
- Statistically significant reductions were observed in 7 clofibrate-resistant patients and 3 clofibrate-sensitive patients.
Conclusions:
- Probucol demonstrates efficacy in lowering cholesterol in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, particularly those resistant to clofibrate.
- Probucol represents a valuable therapeutic option for managing primary hypercholesterolemia in patients unresponsive to clofibrate.