Different effects of two methods of low-density lipoprotein apheresis on the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems.

OBJECTIVE: Immunoadsorption (IMA) and dextran sulfate adsorption (DSA) are two methods for selective extracorporeal elimination of low-density lipoproteins which are known as LDL apheresis. Their influence on haemostasis until now is widely unknown.
DESIGN: The effects of both LDL apheresis procedures on the coagulation and fibrinolytic systems were compared amongst five patients treated with IMA and four patients who received a DSA therapy.
SUBJECTS: All patients with severe heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia were participants in a long-term LDL apheresis programme with treatments every 1-2 weeks. INTERVENTION: Combined anticoagulation with heparin and citrate in IMA, and also heparin exclusively in DSA were used for the extracorporeal circulation. MEASURES: Blood samples were taken immediately before and after a single LDL apheresis and five times during the weekly interval until the next therapy.
RESULTS: DSA had a significantly greater effect on standard clotting tests than IMA at the end of plasma therapy despite identical dosages of heparin. DSA caused a considerable reduction of the coagulation factors V, VIII:C, vWF:Ag, XI, XII, and prekallikrein by 48-99% at the end of apheresis treatment whereas only factor VIII:C showed a marked decrease of 72% after IMA. All abnormalities of the global coagulation tests and of most clotting factors were restored 1 day after treatment in both procedures followed by a moderate rebound phenomenon of single coagulation factors during the next few days in IMA-treated patients.
CONCLUSION: DSA exerts a more profound effect on the coagulation system than IMA by a substantial co-elimination of various clotting factors in addition to the desired removal of atherogenic lipoproteins.