Patient tolerance regarding different low-density lipoprotein apheresis columns: frequent minor side effects and high patient satisfaction

Abstract

Background: Side effects and patient satisfaction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis treatment has been less vigorously studied than hemodialysis treatment in end-stage renal failure.

Objective: In the present study we systematically compared three different LDL apheresis columns with respect to side effects and patient satisfaction.

Methods: Three patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia went through six treatments with each of the LDL apheresis columns DL-75, LA-15, and EC-50W. Possible side effects were recorded during and after apheresis treatment, and patient satisfaction was assessed by means of a visual analogue scale ranging from 1 to 10.

Results: One or several side effects during apheresis were noted in 40%, 29%, and 30% of the treatments for the columns DL-75, LA-15, and EC-50W, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the columns. Side effects after apheresis were noted in 33%, 33%, and 18% of the treatments for the columns DL-75, LA-15, and EC-50W, respectively. The latter column was statistically different from the two others. However, general patient satisfaction was high, with visual analogue scale scores of 8.8, 8.7, and 8.9 for DL-75, LA-15, and EC-50W, respectively.

Conclusions: Side effects were noted quite frequently during and after LDL apheresis, although significantly there were fewer when the EC-50W column was used after apheresis treatment. Patient satisfaction with the LDL apheresis treatment was high with all columns.