The H.E.L.P. system: an efficient and safe method for plasma therapy in the treatment of severe hypercholesterolemia

The H.E.L.P. procedure (heparin-induced extracorporeal low density lipoprotein: fibrinogen precipitation) provides an efficient means of lowering high concentrations of low density lipoprotein (LDL) in severe hypercholesterolemia, with the additional effect of lowering lipoprotein(a) and fibrinogen, while high density lipoprotein levels are increased during long-term treatment. The H.E.L.P. treatment also significantly improves plasma viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation and erythrocyte filtration. Overall treatment tolerance is very good, and no major complications have been observed after approximately 70,000 single treatment sessions. Some patients are treated for more than 10 years. In combination with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, a mean interval value of -75% to -80% for LDL as compared to the starting concentration may be achieved. The treatment has the advantage that the patient is not exposed to foreign proteins or compounds, with their attendant immunological problems. It displays a high degree of reproducibility and a standardized capacity, guaranteeing a constant therapy independent of the clinic or institution performing the treatment. The clinical experience with the H.E.L.P. system has proved its clinical utility--there is a regression of coronary heart disease, a decrease in coronary heart disease events, and a remarkable improvement in acute as well as chronic impairment of microcirculation. For the future, the availability of this safe and efficient apheresis technique may provide help for many patients who previously could not be treated adequately.