skip to content
Dovepress - Open Access to Scientific and Medical Research
View our mobile site

8129

Role of colesevelam in managing heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in adolescents and children

Review

(1221) Views  (461) Full article downloads

Authors: Travis Sonnett, Jennifer Robinson, Paul Milani, et al

Published Date August 2010 Volume 2010:1 Pages 53 - 60
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/AHMT.S9272

Travis Sonnett, Jennifer Robinson, Paul Milani, R Keith Campbell

Department of Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA

Background: Colesevelam hydrochloride is a synthetic, nonsystemically absorbed polymer that functions as a bile acid sequestrant for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Recently, colesevelam was investigated for the treatment of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in the pediatric/adolescent population aged 10–17 years.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to review the disease state of HeFH in children and adolescents, review the pharmacologic mechanism of action, kinetics, and safety profile of colesevelam, analyze the results of a recent clinical trial of colesevelam in the pediatric/adolescent HeFH population, and discuss the role of colesevelam as a viable treatment option for HeFH.

Methods: A literature search using Medline (1966–03 May 2010), PubMed (1950–03 May 2010), Science Direct (1994–03 May 2010), and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (2004–2010) was performed using the search term colesevelam. English language, original research, and review articles were examined, and citations from these articles were also assessed. The manufacturer’s prescribing information and the Food and Drug Administration review of the new drug application for the powder formulation were also examined.

Results: A 32-week trial was performed investigating the efficacy of colesevelam as monotherapy or combination therapy with a stable statin regimen. Upon completion of the trial, significant benefits were found in regard to the treatment of HeFH and the lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, and other secondary measures. Safety and tolerability were also examined throughout the duration of the clinical trial, with adverse drug reactions considered mild in severity.

Conclusion: Colesevelam has been shown to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels significantly in pediatric/adolescent patients with HeFH, while maintaining a mild side effect profile. Although further research would be beneficial for long-term effects in this population, colesevelam should be considered when developing a treatment regimen for HeFH in the pediatric/adolescent population.

Keywords: colesevelam, heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, bile acid sequestrant, hyperlipidemia, pediatric




  • Testimonials

    "... I was impressed at the rapidity of publication from submission to final acceptance." Dr Edwin Thrower, PhD, Yale University