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Changes in lipid and lipoprotein profile in postmenopausal women receiving low-dose combinations of 17beta-estradiol and norethisterone acetate

Samsioe G, Li C, Borgfeldt C, Wilawan K, Aberg A, Larsen S

Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 2002

120 participants

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the modification of lipid and lipoprotein by use of low doses of continuous-combined formulations of 17beta-estradiol (E ) and norethisterone acetate (NETA) in healthy postmenopausal women.

DESIGN: The study was designed as a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. A total of 120 healthy postmenopausal women were randomized to one of three treatment arms: (1) placebo group ( = 40); (2) E /NETA 0.25-mg group-subjects receiving oral continuous-combined E 1 mg and NETA 0.25 mg ( = 40); (3) E /NETA 0.5-mg group-women who were treated with E 1 mg and NETA 0.5 mg ( = 40). The duration of study was 12 months. Plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoprotein(a), apolipoprotein A and apolipoprotein B were determined on four occasions (i.e., baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-month visits).

RESULTS: There were no differences in the baseline characteristics among the three groups. A total of 102 women completed the study, resulting in a compliance rate of 85%. There was a significant reduction of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) in both combined groups when compared with placebo. The level of apolipoprotein B declined significantly only in the E /NETA 0.25-mg group. Decrements were observed within 3 months of treatment and maintained thereafter. No significant changes were found in triglycerides, VLDL…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 120 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

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