Abstract
In order to reduce loss of albumin in double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP), we evaluated a new system of DFPP which incorporates an automatic backwash system of the second filter. The effects of back-wash system of DFPP were compared with those of conventional partial discard system of DFPP. Each system of DFPP was performed six times in a case of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. There were no significant differences between two groups in pre- and post-treatment serum total cholesterol levels and the amount of total cholesterol removed per session. Pre-treatment levels of serum albumin were not significantly different between the two groups, but post-treatment serum albumin levels were significantly higher and the amount of albumin removed was significantly less in back-wash system than partial discard system of DFPP. It was concluded that the new back-wash system of DFPP was more effective than partial discard system of DFPP.
