Eisenhauer T, Armstrong VW, Wieland H, Fuchs C, Scheler F, Seidel D. Selective removal of low density lipoproteins (LDL) by precipitation at low pH: first clinical application of the HELP system.
KLINISCHE WOCHENSCHRIFT 1987;
65:161-8. [PMID:
3104660 DOI:
10.1007/bf01728226]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The first clinical application of a new extracorporeal procedure (HELP) for the selective elimination of low-density lipoproteins by heparin precipitation at acid pH is described. Plasma, obtained by filtration of whole blood through a 0.2 mu filter, is continuously mixed with an equal volume of an acetate buffer (pH 4.85) containing heparin. After removal of the precipitated heparin complex by filtration, excess heparin is adsorbed to a specially developed filter and the clear plasma filtrate is subject to bicarbonate dialysis/ultrafiltration to restore physiologic pH and remove excess fluid. The calculated efficiency for the elimination of low-density lipoproteins from plasma by HELP is 100% and is therefore comparable to conventional plasmapheresis. The HELP system shows a high degree of specificity with over 80% of total protein being returned to the patient. Over 130 treatment procedures have now been performed. Patient compliance and acceptance have been excellent and no major complications have been observed.
Collapse