Side effects in LDL apheresis: Types, frequency and clinical relevance

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia represents a key risk factor for atherosclerotic disease, including coronary heart disease. In most patients, both in primary and secondary prophylaxis, elevated levels of serum LDL-cholesterol can be adequately managed by the administration of lipid-lowering drugs, primarily statins. In a small subset of patients, drug therapy is ineffective or cannot be used due to intolerance or side effects. For these patients, LDL apheresis is an alternative approach with proven efficacy. Although this treatment is usually well tolerated, side effects do occur. In this article we provide an overview of the side effects in LDL apheresis and a review of the literature on the field. © 2011 Future Medicine Ltd.