LDL-APHERESIS IN COMBINATION WITH TREATME NT OF 7 FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA - METHODS AND RESULTS

Consideration of own experience and literature leads to the following conclusions: LDL-apheresis in combination with high dose drug therapy and low cholesterol diet is indicated in cases of severe familial hype rcholesterolemia. The currently available procedures have almost equal efficacy. Pros and cons are minor. The choice can only be based on pr actical reasons and costs. The therapeutical success is the prevention of myocardial infarction. Redardation of coronary heart disease (CHD) this combined therapy is possible. The accelerated CHD of patients wi th severe familial hypercholesterolemia changes to the slowly progress ing form that occurs if risk factors are controlled.