Hypolipidemic effect of tibric acid. A comparison with clofibrate and placebo in type IV hyperlipoproteinemia.

The effects of tibric acid, clofibrate, and placebo were compared in type IV hyperlipidemic patients for a 6-month period. The patients were divided into two pathological level groups according to their baseline triglyceride levels. Compared to the placebo, both tibric acid and clofibrate reduced the mean serum triglyceride concentration in the high pathological level group; however, clofibrate was also effective in the low pathological level group. The effects on total cholesterol were less pronounced with the two drugs. No effect was observed on esterified cholesterol, phospholipids, free fatty acids, and fasting blood sugar. After a 6-week follow-up period under placebo, no rebound of the triglyceride and cholesterol levels could be observed after discontinuation of the two active drugs. The other biochemical changes observed after each active treatment are discussed in relation to the different degree of activity of each active drug and to the different baseline levels of triglycerides.