LDL-apheresis Therapy

Released on = July 11, 2005, 3:53 am

Press Release Author = Lipidhealth

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = LDL apheresis therapy or cholesterol apheresis is a new form of treatment for individuals with high cholesterol levels.

Press Release Body = LDL apheresis therapy or cholesterol apheresis is a new form of treatment for individuals with high cholesterol levels who cannot benefit from lifestyle modifications, natural alternatives, surgery, the highest dosages of prescription medications and other treatments. This therapy is suitable for a few only, and it is estimated that approximately 1 in 300,000 fits into this category. The results noted so far are promising in majority of patients.

Occurrence
LDL or Low density Lipoprotein refers to the bad cholesterol which remains in the bloodstream and gets accumulated on the walls of arteries. This can lead to narrowing and blockages in blood flow. Also in some severe cases like Homozygote hyper cholestrolemia, serum cholesterol rises above 6 g/l due to a total deficiency of LDL-receptors.

Indicated for
This treatment is strictly indicated for patients who have tried all other popular means of treatment without success. The general LDL cholesterol levels that apply here include an LDL level of above 200 mg/dL for individuals with coronary heart disease. For those without coronary heart disease, an LDL level of above 300 mg/dL is required.

Mode of work
This treatment works by clearing atherogenic LDL particles extracorporally. Various techniques are incorporated and the most specific ones, usually indicated for children, are the most expensive. These techniques allow treating whole blood or previously separated plasma. A catheter placed in the patient’s arm drains the blood, which is then pumped in a machine. Here the blood plasma is separated from the rest of the blood, which is returned to the patient’s body. The plasma is filtered and separated into LDL (low-density lipoprotein), VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein) and Lp(a) (lipoprotein A) from the rest of the plasma. After separation, the remaining plasma is returned to the patient’s body. Each treatment lasts for 2.5 to 3 hours.

Benefits
This aggressive form of treatment is currently the most popular and effective means to lowering serum cholesterol and avoiding potential cardiovascular complications. LDL and cholesterol levels are often lowered up to 80%. While the costs are high, with each treatment costing approximately $2500.00, most insurance carriers cover this procedure. It does not have any serious side effects, except low blood pressure that has been noted in a few patients.

Drawbacks
Cholesterol is continually made by the liver, and after the procedure, cholesterol levels soon begin to rise again. To lower the levels, patients need to undergo the procedure about every two weeks. Also this treatment is available at a few medical facilities only.

While present for some time now, this treatment has recently gained popularity. In order to communicate its benefits, Lipidhealth.org has opened a new section that focuses solely on LDL-apheresis therapy.

Web Site = http://www.lipidhealth.org

Contact Details = meenakshi@mosaic-service.com