Low-density lipoprotein apheresis in the treatment of two patients with coronary heart disease and extremely elevated lipoprotein (a) levels

Hyperlipidemia and elevated lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) levels have been linked to the development and progression of premature atherosclerosis. Our study concerned 2 white male patients (aged 36 and 42 years) with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and extremely elevated Lp(a) concentrations that were resistant to diet regimens and lipid-lowering drugs. The patients were treated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis for 59 months (Liposorber system, Kaneka, Japan) and 19 months (immunoadsorption system, special Lp(a) columns; Lipopak; Pocard, Russia), respectively. The concentration of Lp(a) decreased on average by 50%, total cholesterol by 27%, LDL cholesterol by 41%, triglycerides by 43%, and fibrinogen by 16%. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increased by approximately 4%. Before treatment with LDL apheresis, each patient had suffered 3 myocardial infarctions, and had had 4 and 6 coronary angiographies with 2 and 4 percutaneous transluminal angioplasties (PTCAs), respectively. Since treatment with LDL apheresis, no myocardial infarctions or cardiac complaints were observed. In the course of treatment, both patients reported an increased performance. Available data suggest that LDL apheresis may be effective in the treatment of patients, the only risk factor for premature atherosclerosis being extremely elevated Lp(a) concentrations.