Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 10, 2026
Differential Effects of Lipid-lowering Drugs in Modulating Morphology of Cholesterol Particles
Published on: November 10, 2017
PORTRAIT Survey: Patient-Centered Overview Related to Treatment Practices in Lipoprotein Apheresis: Italian
Francesco Sbrana1, Beatrice Dal Pino1, Carmen Corciulo1
1U.O. Lipoapheresis and Center for Inherited Dyslipidemias, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy.
Insights
Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) is crucial for preventing atherosclerosis when lipid-lowering drugs fail. This Italian survey highlights current LA practices and patient data, aiming to improve chronic LA management.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Medical Technology
- Public Health
Background:
- New lipid-lowering drugs do not always achieve target LDL-cholesterol or lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels.
- Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) remains vital for atherosclerosis prevention in select patient populations.
- Understanding current LA practices is essential for optimizing patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the current landscape of lipoprotein apheresis (LA) activity in Italy.
- To collect and analyze data on LA procedures and patient characteristics.
- To identify areas for improvement in the management of patients undergoing chronic LA.
Main Methods:
- An electronic survey was distributed to centers providing LA treatment in Italy.
- Data were collected from active LA sites regarding treatment frequency, systems used, and patient demographics.
- Patient characteristics, including high Lp(a) levels and co-therapies, were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Data from 15 active sites involving 142 patients were analyzed; two sites had ceased LA treatment.
- A median of 17 LA treatments per patient annually were performed, with 87% using venous vascular access.
- Elevated Lp(a) was observed in 73/142 patients, and some homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia patients received novel therapies.
Conclusions:
- The PORTRAIT survey provides a snapshot of current LA practices in Italy.
- Findings underscore the need for a coordinated network to manage patients on chronic LA.
- Establishing such a network can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of LA therapy.
Introduction:
To date, despite the new lipid-lowering drugs, some subjects do not reach LDL-cholesterol and/or lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] goals and lipoprotein apheresis (LA) plays a role in atherosclerosis prevention.
Methods:
The aim of this study is to paint a portrait of the current LA activity in Italy, collecting data via an electronic survey.
Results:
Forty-seven centers were contacted, data from 142 patients (male 67%) were obtained from 15 sites. Two sites had discontinued LA treatment. In the active sites, a median of 17 [14-26] LA treatment/patient per year was performed; 7/13 sites used more than one LA system, with venous vascular access used in 87% of cases. High Lp(a) plasma concentrations (> 60 mg/dL or ≥ 145 nmol/L) were recorded in 73/142 patients; 14/36 homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia patients were on lomitapide or evinacumab therapy.
Conclusion:
The PORTRAIT survey would like to promote a network to better manage the patients on chronic LA.
More Related Videos
06:47Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation
Published on: January 28, 2021
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
01:25Blood 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...
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
01:26Atherosclerosis III: Management