Fenofibrate vs. Omega-3 in Pediatric Hypertriglyceridemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Setila Dalili, Shahin Koohmanaee, Afagh Hassanzadeh Rad et al.
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In 30 seconds
This open-label, parallel-group randomized controlled trial compared fenofibrate with omega-3 in 30 children and adolescents aged 8–18 years with hypertriglyceridemia, treated for 12 weeks. Fenofibrate produced greater reductions in triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol than omega-3 (p = .014, p < .001, and p < .001, respectively). HDL cholesterol showed an upward trend in the omega-3 group, with a statistically significant between-group difference (p = .038). The authors considered fenofibrate a potentially safe and effective triglyceride-lowering option, while noting that further clinical research is needed.
Key findings
- Fenofibrate lowered triglycerides more than omega-3 (p = .014).
- Fenofibrate lowered LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol more than omega-3 (p < .001 for both).
- HDL cholesterol increased in the omega-3 group; the between-group difference was statistically significant (p = .038).
Why it matters
Pediatric hypertriglyceridemia may require treatment beyond diet and exercise, but comparative evidence in children is limited. This trial suggests fenofibrate may improve triglyceride and other atherogenic lipid measures more than omega-3 over 12 weeks, while omega-3 may have a different effect on HDL cholesterol. These findings add comparative evidence but do not establish longer-term outcomes.
What to keep in mind
The trial was open-label, included only 30 participants, and followed them for 12 weeks; longer-term effects and safety remain uncertain.