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[Arteriosclerosis obliterans that was improved by LDL apheresis]
H Suzuki1, E Mutoh, T Kitagawa
1Department of Internal Medicine, Asahikawa Municipal Hospital.
[Hokkaido Igaku Zasshi] the Hokkaido Journal of Medical Science
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis effectively improved symptoms of arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) and reduced high cholesterol levels in a patient. This suggests LDL apheresis may be a viable treatment option for ASO.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nephrology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Arteriosclerosis Obliterans (ASO) is a progressive arterial disease causing significant morbidity.
- Managing hypercholesterolemia is crucial in patients with ASO and diabetes mellitus (DM).
- Standard treatments for ASO and hypercholesterolemia showed limited efficacy in this case.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old male patient with ASO and DM presented with worsening symptoms despite conventional therapy.
- Initial treatment with pravastatin reduced total cholesterol (TC) but did not fully resolve hypercholesterolemia.
- The patient underwent six sessions of LDL apheresis over four weeks.
Findings:
- LDL apheresis led to remarkable improvement in ASO symptoms, including intermittent claudication.
- Serum TC levels decreased below 200 mg/dl following LDL apheresis.
- The patient achieved good glycemic control with diet therapy alone after initial insulin dependence.
Implications:
- Repeated LDL apheresis demonstrated potential as an effective treatment for arteriosclerosis obliterans.
- Further research is warranted to establish optimal indications and protocols for LDL apheresis in ASO.
- This case highlights the benefits of LDL apheresis in managing complex cardiovascular and metabolic conditions.