[Serum lipoprotein (a) levels during treatment with LDL apheresis for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia].

BACKGROUND: Due to the double atherogenic and antifibrinolytic action of lipoprotein (a) (Lp [a]) and its predictive value of cardiovascular disease in hypercholesterolemic patients, we document in the present work the changes in Lp (a) levels of a patient with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia after one year of LDL-apheresis treatment.

METHODS: A child with LDL-receptor deficiency under weekly LDL-apheresis treatment with dextran-sulfate columns. Serum samples were taken in basal conditions (pre-apheresis) and post-apheresis, as well as from the perfusion system to evaluate the lipoprotein retention capacity of the columns. Samples were processed for Lp (a) determination by ELISA with polyclonal antibodies.

RESULTS: When the treatment was initiated, the patient's Lp (a) serum levels were very high (997 mg/l), and they reduced progressively with the apheresis sessions. After one year of treatment, maximum Lp (a) concentration is only slightly higher than 400 mg/l, whereas minimum Lp (a) concentration is lower than 50 mg/l. Dextran-sulfate columns in the apheresis system retain every lipoprotein containing apo B, including LDL and Lp (a), with high affinity and high capacity in such a way that the treatment of three-fold the plasma volume of the patient results in an 85% decrease of Lp (a) levels. After each LDL-apheresis treatment, there is a progressive increase in Lp (a) concentration. The analysis of these data allowed the estimation of the fractional catabolic rate of Lp (a) in the patient, which was 0.08 pools/day. Simultaneous treatment with lovastatin (20 mg/day) did not alter this parameter or Lp (a) serum concentration.

CONCLUSIONS: After one year of weekly LDL-apheresis treatment, the patient's average Lp (a) serum concentration is lower than 300 mg/l, which is below the risk threshold level. Therefore, apheresis with dextran-sulfate columns is a very effective treatment for the reduction of both LDL and Lp (a) serum concentrations in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.