| Abstract: | LDL apheresis using the Liposorber system is indicated for use to remove selectively LDL from the plasma of hypercholesterolemic patients for whom diet and maximum cholesterol-lowering drug therapy have been ineffective or not tolerated. The dextran sulfate immobilized to porous cellulose beads is contained in the adsorption column as the adsorbent. The dextran sulfate has a structure similar to that of the LDL receptor and seems to act as a type of pseudoreceptor for LDL. There have been reported a number of clinical benefits using the Liposorber system for drug refractory hypercholesterolemic patients. Among them, the improvement of endothelial cell function of coronary and brachial arteries by a single treatment is the focus of the world's attention. Moreover, it is also noteworthy that LDL apheresis reduced the incidence of the cardiac events by 70% compared to drug therapy alone. In addition to the clinical benefits of the Liposorber system on familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), the preliminary data suggest that LDL apheresis may improve arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) of the lower extremities and focal glomerular sclerosis (FGS). |
