EFFECTS OF LDL APHERESIS ON BLOOD RHEOLOGY IN 2 PATIENTS WITH HOMOZYGOUS FAMILIAL HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA

Changes in haemorheological and lipid variables were investigated in 2 patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) treated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis using dextran sulphate ad sorbent. The immediate effect of LDL apheresis was a fall in plasma fi brinogen by 50%, total and LDL cholesterol by 60%, plasma viscosity by 12% and whole blood viscosity by 17%. Before the 12th treatment sessi on, plasma fibrinogen concentration remained reduced by 22%, whole blo od viscosity by 17% and the plasma viscosity by 11% compared with the initial values. Total and LDL cholesterol in plasma also remained redu ced by about 50%. We conclude that LDL apheresis, using dextran sulpha te adsorbent, improves blood theology. The decrease in plasma fibrinog en concentrations, plasma viscosity and LDL cholesterol might be facto rs contributing to the improved haemorheological properties.