ASSESSMENT OF CURRENTLY AVAILABLE LOW-DENSITY-LIPOPROTEIN APHERESIS SYSTEMS

It has already been 10 years since the introduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis technologies. They have been established as technically and medically feasible for long-term treatment and economically acceptable, and their long-term treatment effects have been determined. Currently, there are efforts to develop more selective LDL removal systems. However, after 10 years of research, it is time to carefully review this strategy. The approach may have become too specific in light of the multiple macromolecules involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In this paper, the six currently available LDL apheresis systems (plasma exchange, double filtration plasmapheresis, thermofiltration, LDL chemical adsorption (Kaneka system), LDL immunoadsorption, and the heparin-induced extracorporeal LDL precipitation [HELP] system) were reviewed and scored from various points of view such as effectiveness, simplicity, safety, and cost performance. Finally, each system was assessed from the global point of view in relation to the pathogenesis of lipid-related diseases.