Platelet aggregation and lipoprotein levels in a patient with familial hypercholescholesterolemia after selective LDL-apheresis

Abstract

Platelet aggregation was studied in a patient with familial hypercholesterolemia immediately after aphereis selective for low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a lipid-lowering procedure.This treatment reduced plasmatic levels of total and LDL-cholesterol, apo B, and triglyceride. Increased platelet aggregation was reduced immediately after the apheresis in whole blood as well as in platelet-rich plasma. However, aggregation in washed platelets remained unchanged after LDL-apheresis. In conclusion, in this patient reduction of LDL-cholesterol improved platelet function in the very short term.

Keywords

• Platelet aggregation
• Familial hypercholesterolemia
• LDL-apheresis