[Low dose clofibrate in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia in hemodialysis patients (author's transl)].

Sixteen patients on regular hemodialysis were treated with clofibrate, 500 mg three times a week for six weeks. A sustained and significant reduction of serum triglycerides occurred in thirteen patients. Serum cholesterol was also significantly reduced, although to a lesser degree. Predialysis levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid were significantly elevated during the treatment period and returned to previous levels after withdrawal of the drug. The incidence of side-effects was elevated. Five patients complained of nausea and upper abdominal discomfort, while four patients had muscle pain. Several muscle enzymes were elevated in a high percentage of patients, returning to basal values after discontinuation of the drug. It is concluded that clofibrate, although it is effective in lowering serum triglycerides in patients on hemodialysis, should not be used in such patients.