Management of lipoprotein-X accumulation in severe cholestasis by semi-selective LDL-apheresis

Am J Med. 1991 May;90(5):633-8.

Abstract

Liver disorders characterized by prolonged bile stasis are often associated with the accumulation of an abnormal lipoprotein, lipoprotein-X (LP-X), in plasma. LP-X is separated in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) density range, but lacks apolipoprotein B and does not interact with the LDL receptor; LP-X can cause hyperlipidemia, cutaneous xanthomas, and worsening of arterial disease. We report the case of a patient with severe cholestasis, markedly elevated plasma cholesterol levels (26.8 to 31.5 mmol/L), mainly due to a massive accumulation of LP-X in plasma, and diffuse xanthomas. To reduce the elevated cholesterol levels, the patient was given extracorporeal treatment aimed at removing atherogenic lipoprotein (LDL-apheresis). LDL-apheresis was performed at weekly or bi-weekly intervals, either by a semi-selective technique using filters with a defined pore diameter (double filtration, DF) or by a more selective technique using dextran-sulfate-cellulose (DSC) columns able to bind LDL. The semi-selective DF technique proved more effective than DSC, removing 48% of total cholesterol (compared to 30% with DSC), and lowering cholesterol levels to 11.1 mmol/L in 6 weeks. DF removed both LDL and LP-X from plasma, whereas DSC selectively decreased the LDL content. The reduction of plasma cholesterol levels was associated with a complete regression of the xanthomas, supporting DF apheresis as a first-choice treatment for patients with massive LP-X accumulation due to cholestasis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Component Removal / instrumentation
  • Blood Component Removal / methods
  • Blood Component Removal / standards*
  • Cholestasis, Intrahepatic / complications*
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipoproteinemias / blood
  • Hyperlipoproteinemias / etiology
  • Hyperlipoproteinemias / therapy*
  • Lipoprotein-X / blood*
  • Lipoproteins / blood
  • Male
  • Triglycerides / blood

Substances

  • Lipoprotein-X
  • Lipoproteins
  • Triglycerides
  • Cholesterol