Abstract
Although LDL apheresis is proved to be effective on regression of arteriosclerosis in a larger vessel, the mechanism of improvement of peripheral microcirculation by LDL apheresis isn't clarified yet. The objective of study is to evaluate the hemorheological effect of LDL apheresis on atherosclerosis disease with hyperlipidemia. LDL apheresis has been done utilizing a Liposorber column. Usually, 4, 000ml of plasma processed by a membrane plasma separator is led into the adsorption system. LDL apheresis by adsorption was effective and safe in removing LDL specifically from arteriosclerotic and hyperlipidemic patients. The average reduction rate was 66.4% for LDL. Blood and plasma viscosity was shown to be abnormally high in hyperlipidemia and LDL apheresis reduced blood viscosity effectively. The positive correlation of plasma viscosity and LDL level was suggested. The deformability of red cells was improved significantly by LDL apheresis. The correlation of red blood cell deformability and LDL level was negative tendency. In this study, LDL apheresis reduced plasma viscosity and probably reflected changes in the rheologic properties of red cells. We concluded the improvement of peripheral microcirculation by LDL apheresis was contributed to the hemorheological improvement such as blood viscosity and deformability of red cells.
