Comparative long-term experience with immunoadsorption and dextran sulfate cellulose adsorption for extracorporeal elimination of low-density lipoproteins

Two low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis methods allowing a specific extracorporeal removal of atherogenic lipoproteins from plasma were compared concerning their efficacy and safety in the long-term therapy of severe familial hypercholesterolemia. Five patients were treated with immunoadsorption (IMA) at weekly intervals over 3 years each, and three patients received weekly therapy with dextran sulfate cellulose adsorption (DSA) for up to 2 years. The mean plasma volume processed per session to decrease total cholesterol to a target level of 100–150 mg/dl at the end of LDL apheresis was significantly lower in DSA than in IMA: 143% vs. 180% of the individual plasma volume. Both LDL apheresis procedures achieved a mean acute reduction of plasma LDL cholesterol by more than 70%. The average interval concentrations of plasma LDL cholesterol obtained without concomitant lipid-lowering medication were 151 ± 26 mg/dl compared to 351 ± 65 mg/dl at baseline in the IMA-treated patients and 139 ± 18 mg/dl compared to 359 ± 48 mg/dl at baseline in the DSA-treated patients. Two patients from the DSA group died after 2 years of study participation due to a stroke and a sudden cardiac death several days after the last plasma therapy. Treatment-related side effects were infrequent. Long-term therapy with IMA and DSA was associated with symptomatic improvement of coronary artery disease and mobilization of tissue cholesterol deposits. Analysis of coronary angiograms after 3 years of weekly LDL apheresis with IMA revealed in five patients nearly identical atherosclerotic lesions without definite regression or progression.