Another plus for Statins- May help treat xanthelasmas

Written By :  Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli
Published On 2020-02-19 05:58 GMT   |   Update On 2023-10-17 10:36 GMT
Advertisement

Xanthelasmas are asymptomatic, benign, yellowish papules or plaques that appear on or around the eyelids. They comprise of cholesterol-loaded macrophages and typically develop in adulthood. In about half of cases, they are associated with familial hypercholesterolemia; thus, they should trigger lipid profiling. In patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, regression of xanthelasmas can occur with lipid-lowering drugs, such as statins

Researchers from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada, observed the regression of xanthelasmas in a patient with normal lipid levels after treatment with a statin. Typical treatments for patients with xanthelasmas with normal lipid levels carry risks and high recurrence rates. The Case Report is published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Earlier studies have found role Alirocumab in early resolution of Xanthelasmas but the role of statins was not established.

Xanthelasmas are benign, yellowish growths made up of cholesterol under the skin that appear on or around the eyelids. In about half of cases, they are associated with familial high cholesterol. In these patients, regression of xanthelasmas can occur with lipid-lowering drugs, such as statins. Many patients with xanthelasmas, however, have normal lipid levels. In these patients, xanthelasmas can be removed with liquid nitrogen, topical trichloroacetic acid, laser ablation, or surgical excision, but these therapies all carry a risk for scarring or residual pigmentation and high recurrence rates (up to 40 per cent).

To report the effect of statin therapy for a person with xanthelasmas with normal lipid levels, researchers prescribed 10 mg of rosuvastatin, a statin to help lower "bad" cholesterol (mainly LDL) and raise "good" cholesterol, to a 52-year-old woman with normal lipid levels who wanted her xanthelasmas removed for cosmetic reasons. Within three months of treatment, the patient's LDL cholesterol level had decreased by 50 per cent, remaining steadily in that range for the next four years. Within 12 months, she reported some regression of her xanthelasmas, and after four years of rosuvastatin, they had almost completely regressed.

For further reference log on to:

 http://annals.org/aim/article/doi/10.7326/L19-0797

Tags:    
Article Source : Annals of Internal Medicine

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Similar News