Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 3, 2026
Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation
Published on: January 28, 2021
Lipoprotein apheresis for lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular disease
Patrick M Moriarty1, Jessica V Gray1, Lauryn K Gorby1
1Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA.
Insights
Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) therapy significantly reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) events by 94% in patients with elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and near-normal LDL-C. This suggests LA is a viable treatment for high Lp(a) in the U.S.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Lipidology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a significant independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) therapy is approved in the U.S. for familial hypercholesterolemia but not specifically for elevated Lp(a) with near-normal LDL-C.
- Germany utilizes LA for patients with Lp(a) > 60 mg/dL and CVD, showing over 70% reduction in cardiovascular events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical significance of Lp(a) reduction using LA therapy in a U.S. patient cohort.
- To assess the impact of LA on major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with elevated Lp(a) and near-normal LDL-C.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single U.S. LA treatment center.
- Data from 14 CVD patients with elevated Lp(a) and near-normal LDL-C were analyzed.
- The study focused on Lp(a) and LDL-C level changes and major adverse cardiovascular events before and after LA therapy.
Main Results:
- Pre-LA therapy, mean LDL-C was 80 mg/dL and mean Lp(a) was 138 mg/dL.
- LA therapy reduced mean LDL-C by 64% to 29 mg/dL and mean Lp(a) by 63% to 51 mg/dL.
- A 94% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events was observed over a mean treatment period of 48 months.
Conclusions:
- LA therapy demonstrated significant reduction in future CVD events for U.S. patients with elevated Lp(a) and near-normal LDL-C.
- LA should be considered as a treatment option for U.S. patients with elevated Lp(a) and progressive CVD.
- These findings support expanding indications for LA therapy in the United States.
Background:
Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the United States, lipoprotein apheresis (LA) therapy is approved for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Germany uses LA therapy for patients with an Lp(a) > 60 mg/dL, normal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and CVD. LA therapy in this population demonstrated a >70% reduction in CVD events. In the United States, LA is only approved for patients with elevated LDL-C levels, regardless of Lp(a) level.
Objective:
The objective of the study was to evaluate clinical significance of Lp(a) reduction with LA therapy in the United States.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study at one LA site in the United States evaluated 14 CVD patients with elevated Lp(a) and near normal LDL-C levels. Patient data was analyzed to demonstrate possible clinical benefit in reducing Lp(a) levels with LA to mitigate risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.
Results:
Pre-LA patients' mean LDL-C and Lp(a) were 80 mg/dL and 138 mg/dL, respectively. LA therapy demonstrated a reduction of mean LDL-C to 29 mg/dL and Lp(a) to 51 mg/dL. These represent a percent reduction of 64% and 63% for LDL-C and Lp(a), respectively. There was a 94% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events over a mean treatment period of 48 months.
Conclusion:
The treatment of CVD patients with an elevated Lp(a) and near normal LDL-C with LA in a U.S. treatment center demonstrated a significant reduction in future CVD events. LA should be considered for patients in the United States suffering from an elevated Lp(a) and progressive CVD.
More Related Videos
07:29Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
11:13Enrichment of Native Lipoprotein Particles with microRNA and Subsequent Determination of Their Absolute/Relative microRNA Content and Their Cellular Transfer Rate
Published on: May 9, 2019
Related Concept Videos
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management
01:25Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
01:20Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents
01:31Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin,...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures