HELP LDL-apheresis in two cases of familial hypercholesterolemic pregnant women.

Abstract

We report our experience with selective LDL-apheresis in two women affected by autosomal recessive hypercholesterolemia and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia respectively, during pregnancy. To date only a few cases have been reported, because of the rarity of pregnancy in these patients and a hesitation of physicians to perform extracorporeal treatment. One of the patients had severe coronary artery disease, an absolute contraindication for pregnancy. Both patients had extremely elevated lipoprotein values because of their primary dyslipidemia, pregnancy-related modification of their lipid profile, and mandatory discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs. In both cases the use of the Heparin-induced Extracorporeal Lipoprotein Precipitation (HELP) therapy improved the clinical situation and resulted in a good outcome for both mother and fetus.

• Authors: Sandra Anedda, Silvia Mura, Costantino Marcello, Paolo Pintus
• Journal: Transfusion and apheresis science : official journal of the World Apheresis Association : official journal of the European Society for Haemapheresis (Transfus Apher Sci) Vol. 44 Issue 1 Pg. 21-4 (Feb 2011) ISSN: 1473-0502 [Print] England
• PMID: 21257349 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Hypolipidemic Agents
• Lipoproteins, LDL
• Polycarboxylate Cement
• polycarbonate
• Heparin

Topics

• Adsorption
• Adult
• Blood Component Removal (methods)
• Cesarean Section
• Chemical Precipitation
• Chromatography, Ion Exchange
• Contraindications
• Coronary Disease (etiology)
• Extracorporeal Circulation (methods)
• Female
• Heparin (chemistry)
• Heterozygote
• Humans
• Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II (genetics, therapy)
• Hypolipidemic Agents
• Infant, Newborn
• Lipoproteins, LDL (blood, isolation & purification)
• Polycarboxylate Cement
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications (blood, therapy)
• Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular (etiology)
• Pregnancy, High-Risk
• Ultrafiltration