[Apheresis in severe hypercholesterolaemia].
BACKGROUND
Hypercholesterolaemia is usually successfully treated with statins but in some cases the medication has insufficient cholesterol-lowering effect or is not well tolerated. In these instances LDL apheresis is an option.


METHODS
We share some of our own experience with this treatment and then review the literature regarding LDL apheresis.


RESULTS
LDL apheresis seems a safe and effective way of lowering LDL cholesterol. Mortality and morbidity is reduced in selected patient groups. Quite probably, too few Norwegian patients are offered this treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
LDL apheresis should be available in all health regions of Norway and the treatment should be known to all those who treat severe hypercholesterolaemia or coronary artery disease.
Graesdal
Asgeir
A
Lipidklinikken Nordlandssykehuset, Bodø. asg3@hotmail.com
Hovland
Anders
A
Bjørbaek
Eyvind
E
D001781:Blood Component Removal / Q000379:methods; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D006579:Heterozygote; D006720:Homozygote; D006801:Humans; D006938:Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL