title: [Apheresis in severe hypercholesterolaemia].
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Lipidklinikken Nordlandssykehuset, Bodø. asg3@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Asgeir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Graesdal
authors.forename: Anders
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hovland
authors.forename: Eyvind
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Bjørbaek
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D008078:Cholesterol, LDL