Lipoprotein apheresis for refractory hyperlipidaemia: clinical indications and service requirements

This paper describes lipoprotein apheresis, a crucial form of treatment for people with severe, statin-resistant hypercholesterolaemia (high cholesterol). The paper illustrates the merits and service specifications for a treatment that is little known, even among the medical fraternity. Apheresis is often the only effective treatment to help prolong the health and life of these very high cardiovascular risk patients. Apheresis is used less in the UK, when compared to similar countries such as the United States and Germany. Despite this, the procedure is increasingly under threat, as commissioners seek measures to reduce costs. However, for the patients described in this paper, apheresis remains an essential treatment that can often be the difference between life and death.