Beneficial effects of colestipol-niacin on coronary atherosclerosis. A 4-year follow-up.
The Cholesterol Lowering Atherosclerosis Study (CLAS) was a randomized, placebo-controlled, angiographic trial testing combined colestipol-niacin therapy in 162 subjects. Two-year results (CLAS-I) showed decreased atherosclerosis progression and increased regression. We now describe a subgroup of 103 subjects treated for 4 years (CLAS-II). Changes in blood lipid, lipoprotein-cholesterol, and apolipoprotein levels were maintained, and at 4 years significantly more drug-treated subjects demonstrated nonprogression (52% drug- vs 15% placebo-treated) and regression (18% drug- vs 6% placebo-treated) in native coronary artery lesions. Significantly fewer drug-treated subjects developed new lesions in native coronary arteries (14% drug- vs 40% placebo-treated) and bypass grafts (16% drug- vs 38% placebo-treated). These results confirm CLAS-I findings and indicate that regression can continue for 4 years. They reaffirm the need for early initiation of vigorous long-term lipid lowering therapy in coronary bypass subjects.
Cashin-Hemphill
L
L
Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
Mack
W J
WJ
Pogoda
J M
JM
Sanmarco
M E
ME
Azen
S P
SP
Blankenhorn
D H
DH
D000328:Adult; D001053:Apolipoproteins / Q000097:blood; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003084:Colestipol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009525:Niacin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011859:Radiography
D001053:Apolipoproteins; D008055:Lipids; D009525:Niacin; D002784:Cholesterol; D003084:Colestipol