Comparison of different LDL apheresis methods

Abstract

This article presents the generally accepted indications for LDL apheresis treatment. The available LDL apheresis methods differ with respect to acute relative reductions of LDL cholesterol; mean values after the LDL apheresis treatments are not different. Serum triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a) are also acutely reduced. Available LDL apheresis methods differ with respect to their impact on the coagulation system, on C-reactive protein and on leukocyte count. Cardiovascular events are clearly reduced by the LDL apheresis methods. There is an urgent need to prospectively compare the different LDL apheresis methods taking into account hard end points. The lower target values for LDL cholesterol suggested by international guidelines for high-risk patients will certainly require a more widespread use of LDL apheresis.

Keywords::

• atherosclerosis
• cardiovascular event
• coagulation factor
• C-reactive protein
• LDL apheresis
• LDL-cholesterol
• lipoprotein(a)
• oxidative parameter

Acknowledgement

The excellent work of the nurses on the staff of the Dresden apheresis center (Kerstin Johne, Franziska Meister, Elke Neubert, Birgit Lippold) is highly appreciated.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Ulrich Julius has received honoraria for presentations from DIAMED, Milteniye, Fresenius. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.