title: Severe reversible hyperglycemia as a consequence of niacin therapy.
abstract: Hypocholesterolemic drug therapy has become a major focus of cardiovascular medicine because recent evidence has demonstrated that optimization of serum lipid levels results in decreased atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk. Niacin, a B-complex vitamin, is capable of lowering total serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels while simultaneously raising serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. However, the use of niacin can be complicated by the development of hepatotoxicity, hyperuricemia, and modest hyperglycemia. A patient is described who had an excellent lipid response to niacin therapy but developed the previously undescribed complication of severe, life-threatening hyperglycemia. Therefore, despite its low cost and demonstrated efficacy, because of potential very toxic side effects, niacin therapy needs to be carefully monitored.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa.
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Schwartz
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009525:Niacin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D009525:Niacin