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Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation
Published on: January 28, 2021
Treatment of symptomatic hyperLp(a)lipidemia with LDL-apheresis vs. usual care
C Stefanutti1, A Vivenzio, S Di Giacomo
1Plasmapheresis Unit, Department of Medical and Clinical Therapy, University of Rome La Sapienza, Umberto I, Hospital, Italy. plasmaferesi@tin.it
Background/Aims:
To assess LDL-apheresis efficacy to lower Lp(a) and to compare the effects of Usual Medical Care (UMC) a 12-months study was carried out. The incidence of new coronary artery disease (CAD) events/need of revascularization, was also monitored.
Methods:
Twenty-one patients with hyperLp(a)lipidemia and angiographically documented CAD were randomly assigned to LDL-apheresis every week, or the UMC.
Results:
LDL-apheresis group, averaged an Lp(a) reduction of 57.8+/-9.5% vs. basal values (P<0.001). In the UMC group Lp(a) increased in 1 year to 14.7+/-36.5% (P=0.66). Stepwise multivariate regression analysis for predictors of Lp(a) including: type of treatment, smoking, hypertension, age, age at first cardiovascular event, initial Lp(a), LDL, and BMI values, was performed. Only the type of treatment was co-related (P<0.001): Lp(a) variation (beta)=0.863. The model has R2 adjusted relative risk of 0.725.
Conclusion:
LDL-apheresis could be the first line treatment of isolated hyperLp(a)lipidemia when CAD is established. New CAD events/cardiac interventions were not observed.
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