Conclusions Study -level data from this systemic review establish that different lipid lowering agents can lead to discordance between LDL-P and LDL-C , therefore , basing LDL-lowering therapy only on the achievement of cholesterol goals may result in a treatment gap .
Therefore , the use of LDL-P for monitoring lipid-lowering therapy , particularly for statins , can provide a more accurate assessment of residual cardiovascular risk
Purpose This systematic review was performed to summarize published experience using low density lipoprotein particle number ( LDL-P ) to monitor the efficacy of  lipid-lowering pharmacotherapies .
Colesevelam HCl reduces LDL particle number and increases LDL size in hypercholesterolemia.
BACKGROUND Although LDL-cholesterol ( LDL-C ) remains the target of cholesterol-lowering therapy , high levels of LDL particle numbers better differentiate cardiovascular risk than LDL-C concentrations . Colesevelam HCl , a novel bile acid sequestrant , has also been shown to reduce mean LDL-C by 18 % with the maximum dose . The effect of colesevelam HCl on LDL particle number and particle size has not been previously published . LDL particle number and particle size were measured by NMR spectroscopy . METHODS In this multi-center , double-blind , placebo-controlled study , 149 patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia ( LDL-C > 160 mg/dL [ 4.14 mmol/L ] ; triglycerides < 300 mg/dL [ 3.39 mmol/L ] ) were r and omized to colesevelam HCl ( 1.5 - 3.75 g/d ) or placebo for 6 weeks . RESULTS Colesevelam HCl reduced LDL particle number by 6.8 % at a dosage of 3.0 g/d ( P = 0.031 ) , and 13.7 % ( P = 0.0002 ) at a dosage of 3.75 g/d . Baseline levels of triglycerides or LDL size did not influence changes in LDL particle number . Further , mean LDL particle size increased with colesevelam HCl 3.75 g/d ( 1.1 % increase versus baseline , P < 0.05 ) . CONCLUSION For patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia , treatment with colesevelam HCl at the recommended starting dose of 3.75 g/d lowered LDL particle number , and increased mean LDL particle size
Conclusions Study -level data from this systemic review establish that different lipid lowering agents can lead to discordance between LDL-P and LDL-C , therefore , basing LDL-lowering therapy only on the achievement of cholesterol goals may result in a treatment gap .
Therefore , the use of LDL-P for monitoring lipid-lowering therapy , particularly for statins , can provide a more accurate assessment of residual cardiovascular risk
Purpose This systematic review was performed to summarize published experience using low density lipoprotein particle number ( LDL-P ) to monitor the efficacy of  lipid-lowering pharmacotherapies .