Acceptability and compliance with two forms of cholestyramine in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in children: a randomized, crossover trial.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the acceptability, compliance, and effectiveness of two forms of cholestyramine resin in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in children.

STUDY DESIGN:

Patients aged 10 to 18 years with familial hypercholesterolemia were enrolled in a randomized, crossover trial of two 8-week periods of either a pill or powder form of cholestyramine at a dose of 8 gm/day.

RESULTS:

Of 40 children enrolled, 38 completed both medication periods, with a median age of 13 years (range, 10 to 18). At the end of the study, 82% preferred the pill form, 16% the powder form and 2% neither form. Mean (+/-SD) compliance as assessed by the amount of medication taken was significantly greater for pills (61% +/- 31%) than powder (50% +/- 30%, p = 0.01). The form of the medication increased compliance by at least 25% for 16 patients (42%), 13 in favor of pills and 3 in favor of powder. Compliance was not associated with patient attitudes and perceptions of hypercholesterolemia, demographics, family history, previous experience with lipid-lowering medication, or lipid profile parameters. Significant mean reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were noted for both pills (-10% +/- 20%, p = 0.006) and powder (-15% +/- 17%, p = 0.0001), with no significant difference between forms (p = 0.16).

CONCLUSIONS:

A change in bile acid-binding resin formulation from powder to pills significantly increases acceptability and compliance in some children with hypercholesterolemia.

• Authors: B W McCrindle, M B O'Neill, G Cullen-Dean, E Helden
• Journal: The Journal of pediatrics (J Pediatr) Vol. 130 Issue 2 Pg. 266-73 (Feb 1997) ISSN: 0022-3476 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9042130 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Anticholesteremic Agents
• Lipids
• Powders
• Tablets
• Cholestyramine Resin

Topics

• Adolescent
• Anticholesteremic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Attitude to Health
• Child
• Cholestyramine Resin (administration & dosage)
• Cross-Over Studies
• Female
• Humans
• Hypercholesterolemia (blood, drug therapy, psychology)
• Lipids (blood)
• Male
• Patient Acceptance of Health Care (psychology, statistics & numerical data)
• Patient Compliance (psychology)
• Powders
• Tablets
• Time Factors