fibrates may lower coronary events not mortality, stroke or HF

Fibrates appear to lower the risk for coronary events, according to a meta-analysis in the Lancet.


Researchers examined data from 18 placebo-controlled trials of fibrates for primary or secondary prevention; some 45,000 adults were included. Overall, coronary events were significantly less common in patients taking fibrates than in those on placebo (8.7% vs. 11.6%). Fibrates were also associated with significant reductions in coronary revascularization, progression of albuminuria, and retinopathy.


There was no benefit in terms of stroke, mortality, or heart failure. Serious drug-related events, including rhabdomyolysis, were not increased with fibrates.


The authors conclude: "The magnitude of effect is moderate, but in high-risk individuals and in those with combined dyslipidemia, clinically meaningful reductions in risk could be achieved."