Abstract
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.
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