Low-density lipoprotein adsorption for arteriosclerotic patients.

A wide variety of treatments is now available for arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) patients, not very successful in some cases. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis using an extracorporeal adsorption column containing dextran sulfate cellulose beads was applied to control lipid levels intensively in ASO patients with accompanying drug-resistant hyperlipidemia. A series of the apheresis procedures had a remarkable impact on clinical symptoms and physiological findings with improvement in intermittent claudication observed in more than 80% of the patients. Improvements in plethysmogram and thermogram readings suggested an increased circulation in lower extremities in more than 80% of patients. In addition, the treatment improved blood rheology, as evidenced by a reduction in blood viscosity. In a follow-up study made by sending a questionnaire to previously treated patients it was revealed that improvements in clinical symptoms were well maintained even after cessation of the treatment. In conclusion, LDL apheresis proved to be a useful therapeutic tool in ASO patients having elevated lipid levels.