Ito - Figure 9 - LDL apheresis Text

Most homozygous and selected heterozygous patients will also require LDL apheresis to remove ApoB-containing lipoprotein particles (the LDL particles) from the circulation. Currently, there are 2 FDA-approved methodologies for LDL apheresis:

Apheresis will have to be conducted at least once every 1 to 2 weeks, because LDL cholesterol levels rebound to pretreatment levels within about 12 to13 days after apheresis. A single LDL apheresis procedure can remove up to 68% to 80% of LDL cholesterol and also lower LP(a) by about 50%; an additional result of both of these reductions is to lower fibrinogen. Apheresis also reduces inflammatory markers, such as CRP, LpPLA2, adhesion molecules, etc.

Ito MK. J Clin Lipidol. 2011; 5(6).