The Effect of Micronized Fenofibrate on Lipid Profiles of Patients Converted from Gemfibrozil

Although numerous studies have established the efficacy of micronized fenofibrate (MF) and gemfibrozil in improving lipid profiles, there are limited comparative data on the lipid-lowering effects of these two agents. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mean changes in lipid values of hypertriglyceridemic patients crossed over from gemfibrozil to MF. The Medical charts of 21 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were maintained on gemfibrozil 600 mg twice daily for a minimum of 3 months. The patient's last fasting lipid profile on gemfibrozil was compared to the first lipid profile after crossover to MF 200 to 201 mg/day. Patients were excluded if there were alterations in other lipid-lowering therapy during the cross-over or documented non-adherence. The lipid profiles after the crossover showed a significant reduction in triglycerides (56%; P < 0.05) and TC/HDL ratio (38%; P < 0.05) and a significant increase in HDL (22%; P < 0.05). There were nonsignificant changes in other lipid values: TC (-22%; P = 0.058), LDL (+5%; P = 0.866) and LDL/HDL ratio (+6; P = 1.0). The results show that MF had additional favorable effects on triglycerides, HDL, and TC/HDL ratio compared with gemfibrozil. A larger, randomized trial to confirm these effects is warranted.

Download Full-text

Lipid profile outcome gaps of Arabs and South Asians receiving chronic Statin therapy

International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences ◽

10.26452/ijrps.v11ispl4.4442 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (SPL4) ◽

pp. 2194-2200

Author(s):

Zahra Alagheband ◽

Seeba Zachariah ◽

Dixon Thomas ◽

Dave L Dixon

Keyword(s):

Lipid Profile ◽

Statin Therapy ◽

South Asian ◽

South Asians ◽

Lipid Profiles ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

P Value ◽

Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽

Therapy Outcomes ◽

Lowering Therapy

Ethnicity is a variable in statin response, but the influence of it in Arabs and South Asians is not known. There is a possibility of under-treatment in the long-term management of dyslipidemia in the Arab population, ignoring post-initiation medication nonadherence and lifestyle. There could be potential genetic reasons also for the need for higher lipid-lowering therapy in Arabs. This study is to identify lipid profile outcome gaps of Arabs and South Asians who were receiving chronic statin therapy. A hypothesis generating retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare lipid profiles among patients treated with a statin for more than three months. The study compared two lipid profiles of Arab and South Asian patients on chronic management of dyslipidemia. T-test and Z-test were performed to compare the lipid profiles. The study participants included 42 Arabs and 28 South Asians. Arabs had a higher body mass index (P-value 0.05), and more of them were smokers compared to South Asians (P-value 0.04). Total cholesterol (P-value 0.03, 95%CI 1.08 to -21.29) and LDL cholesterol (P-value 0.03, 95% CI 0.51 to -17.51) reductions in 3 – 6 months were significant in South Asians, but not in Arabs. The lipid profiles in Arabs receiving chronic statin therapy might be poor compared to South Asians. Both populations need improvements in lipid-lowering therapy outcomes. This hypothesis should be studied further to prove inherent differences and poor therapy outcomes among Arab and South Asian population that might result in modifications in current healthcare management policies.

Download Full-text