The hypotriglyceridemic effect of chenodeoxycholic acid in type IV hyperlipemia.

The effect of chenodeoxycholic acid on the fasting serum triglycerides was studied in 30 patients with type IV hyperlipemia and in 20 patients with primary gout and associated endogenous hypertriglyceridemia, the triglycerides being determined before treatment and at monthly intervals for three months. Chenodeoxycholic acid treatment resulted in a significant lowering of the serum triglycerides in both groups of patients. The drug was well tolerated and there were no undesirable side-effects. Although the mechanism of action is still not known, the drug is thought to reduce triglyceride synthesis in the liver. Chenodeoxycholic acid appears to be electively indicated in type IV hyperlipemia treatment.