Response of Hyperlipoproteinemia to Cholestyramine Resin

Abstract

Cholestyramine resin, an anion exchange resin, was given for 38 to 416 days to 21 patients with hyperlipoproteinemia. Fourteen patients with essential hypercholesterolemia (type II hyperlipoproteinemia) responded with a 24% decline in serum cholesterol level. Seven patients with other forms of hyperlipoproteinemia had no significant decrease in cholesterol during therapy with cholestyramine. Serum triglyceride levels remained unchanged in all patients at the dose of cholestyramine given. Gastrointestinal side effects were mild and no other toxic effects of long-term treatment were observed. These results suggest that patients with essential hypercholesterolemia may respond more effectively to cholestyramine therapy than patients with other forms of hyperlipoproteinemia.