title: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies on the effects of extended-release niacin in women.
abstract: The present meta-analysis pooled data from 5 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in 432 patients with dyslipidemia treated with various doses of extended-release niacin. Data were analyzed for possible gender differences in response to treatment. At all doses, mean decreases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were greater in women than in men; differences were significant at doses of 1,000 mg (6.8% vs 0.2%, p = 0.006), 1,500 mg (11.3% vs 5.6%, p = 0.013), 2,000 mg (14.8% vs 6.9%, p = 0.010), and 3,000 mg (28.7% vs 17.7%, p = 0.006). Decreases in triglyceride levels also tended to be greater in women than in men but reached significance only at the 1,500-mg dose (28.6% vs 20.4%, p = 0.040). No similar trends or significant gender differences were noted in levels of lipoprotein(a) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This meta-analysis confirms that women respond as well as men, and possibly slightly better, to treatment with extended-release niacin and that it is a safe and effective treatment option for women with dyslipidemia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. agoldber@im.wustl.edu
authors.forename: Anne C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Goldberg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D017270:Lipoprotein(a) / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009525:Niacin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D016387:Women's Health
chemical_list: D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D017270:Lipoprotein(a); D014280:Triglycerides; D009525:Niacin