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Plasmapheresis in familial hypercholesterolemia
G R Thompson1, M Barbir, K Okabayashi
1Department of Cardiology, Royal Postgraduate Medical School, London, United Kingdom.
Twelve years' experience confirms that plasma exchange beneficially influences the course of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Pilot studies with low density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis using a dextran sulphate affinity column suggest that this procedure has advantages over plasma exchange, which it may eventually replace. Combination therapy with lovastatin and LDL apheresis is currently being assessed as a means of inducing regression of coronary lesions. Preliminary results of a pilot study in four patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia are encouraging.
Twelve years' experience confirms that plasma exchange beneficially influences the course of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Pilot studies with low density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis using a dextran sulphate affinity column suggest that this procedure has advantages over plasma exchange, which it may eventually replace. Combination therapy with lovastatin and LDL apheresis is currently being assessed as a means of inducing regression of coronary lesions. Preliminary results of a pilot study in four patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia are encouraging.