[Lipostat in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia]

Within the framework of clinical tests of LIPOSTAT (pravastatin tablets 20 mg Bristol Meyers-Squibb Co.) this hypolipidaemic preparation was administered to 28 patients with different types of hyperlipoproteinaemias, mainly of type IIa. Administration for a period of four weeks--20 mg in the evening--had a significant effect on several basic indicators of the lipid metabolism. The total plasma cholesterol level declined by 20%, the apolipoprotein B level by 11%, the HDL cholesterol level rose by 38% and the triacylglycerol level declined by 18%. During administration the serum levels of aminotransferases, creatine kinase and alkaline phosphatase did not increase. No adverse side-effects were observed which called for discontinuation of treatment. Pravastatin is according to the authors' experience and the results of others an effective hypolipidaemic agent, suitable for the majority of patients with hyperlipoproteinaemias, in particular those with elevated plasma cholesterol levels.