HELP application in multi-infarct dementia

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Moderate ischemic disease (MID) is associated with elevated lipids and impaired blood rheology.
• Current treatments for MID may not fully address all contributing factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Hemopurification with Extracorporeal LDL/Fibrinogen Apheresis (HELP) in patients with MID.
• To assess the impact of HELP on lipid profiles, blood viscosity, and neurological/functional status.

Main Methods:

• HELP therapy was administered to patients with MID.
• Lipid levels (LDL, cholesterol, triglycerides), fibrinogen, blood viscosity, and red cell transit time were measured.
• Neurological and functional assessments (Mathew scale, Mini Mental State Examination, Activities of Daily Living) were performed before and after treatment.
• Outcomes were compared to a control group and to results from plasmapheresis.

Main Results:

• HELP significantly reduced LDL, cholesterol, triglycerides, and fibrinogen levels.
• A single HELP treatment improved cognitive and functional scores for up to 10 days.
• Repeated HELP treatments (up to five) within 40 days showed sustained improvements compared to baseline and control groups.
• Further plasmapheresis treatments (up to 10) did not yield significant improvements.

Conclusions:

• HELP therapy is effective in improving lipid profiles and rheological properties in MID patients.
• HELP demonstrates a positive impact on cognitive and functional status in MID, outperforming plasmapheresis in this regard.