hyperlipidaemia secondary to cholestasis

Last reviewed 07/2021

In prolonged cholestasis features include:

  • increased serum cholesterol
  • may be a moderate increase in triglyceride
  • serum is not lipaemic
  • reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein
  • persistence of remnant-like particles
  • clinical features may include:
    • palmar xanthomas; tuberous xanthomas (particularly on extensor surfaces)
    • xanthomas usually only occur if cholestasis has persisted for more than 3 months
    • sometimes fat deposits may involve bone and peripheral nerves