Comparisons of Two Low-density Lipoprotein Apheresis Systems in Patients With Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Comparisons of Two Low-density Lipoprotein Apheresis Systems in Patients With Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is characterized by a six- to eight-fold raise in plasma LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease usually occur before the age of 20 if untreated. Lipid apheresis (LA) has been proved to be a reliable method to decrease LDL-C concentrations and therefore decrease cardiovascular disease risk in HoFH. The objective of this crossover study was to compare efficacy of LA performed with heparin-induced extracorporeal LDL precipitation to dextran sulfate adsorption on the reduction of lipids, inflammatory markers, adhesion molecules and LDL particles size in a cohort of HoFH subjects.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 18-65 years
• Subjects with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia:
• Carrier of a mutation in the LDL receptor gene

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects with a previous history of cardiovascular disease
• Subjects with Type 2 diabetes
• Were pregnant or nursing;
• Subjects with a history of cancer
• Subjects with acute liver disease, hepatic dysfunction, or persistent elevations of serum transaminases
• Subjects with a secondary hyperlipidemia due to any cause
• History of alcohol or drug abuse within the past 2 years
• hormonal treatment
• Subjects who are in a situation or have any condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, may interfere with optimal participation in the study