Intraindividual comparison of the impact of two selective apheresis methods (DALI and HELP) on the coagulation system

We performed an intraindividual comparison of the effect on the coagulation system of two selective apheresis procedures. Direct Adsorption of Lipoproteins (DALI) and Heparin-induced Lipoprotein Fibrinogen Precipitation (HELP). Six patients suffering from heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia have been treated with 2 sessions of each procedure. Anticoagulation was carried out according to usual recommendations. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after and on the second day after the sessions. We assessed global coagulation tests (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time), fibrinogen, prothrombin fragment F 1 + 2 and a variety of factors (Factors II, V, VII, XIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIIa; von Willebrand Factor; collagen-binding activity prekallikrein, high-molecular weight kininogen) and antagonists (antithrombin III, protein S activity free protein S). In fact, all parameters measured have been influenced by the apheresis treatment. Fibrinogen is lowered more by HELP, which also has a more definite impact on factors belonging to the prothrombin complex (II, VII, X). in contrast, the major effects of the DALI system have been seen on the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation system (IX, XI, prekallikrein, high-molecular-weight kininogen). With both systems no increases in activated Factor XII or in prothrombin fragment F1 + 2 have been observed These data provide a solid basis for individual adaptations of anticoagulant doses.