In a double‐blind study, colestipol resin was administered to hypercholesterolemic patients for periods ranging from one to three years. Twenty‐two patients received colestipol, and 22 placebo; all received the usual American diet. This medical interruption of the enterohepatic circulation of bile acids significantly lowered the concentration of serum cholesterol within a month, and maintained it at that level during the period of study. The effect on the triglyceride level was not so marked, though there was a tendency toward elevation. Side effects from the placebo were similar to those from the drug. This cholesterol‐lowering action of colestipol may be of importance in relation to arteriosclerosis.
Gross et al. (Sat,) studied this question.