Practice of lipoprotein apheresis and short-term efficacy in children with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: Data from an international registry

Ilse K. Luirink, Barbara A. Hutten, Susanne Greber-Platzer, Genovefa D. Kolovou, Eldad J. Dann, Sarah D. de Ferranti, Christina Taylan, Eric Bruckert, Samir Saheb, Jun Oh, Joenna Driemeyer, Michel Farnier, Lars Pape, Claus P. Schmitt, Francisco J. Novoa, Martin Maeser, Luis Masana, Awad Shahrani, Albert Wiegman, Jaap W. Groothoff

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19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background and aims: Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (hoFH) may cause life-threatening atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in childhood. Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) is considered a pivotal treatment option, but data on its efficacy, safety and optimal performance are limited. We therefore established an international registry on the execution and outcomes of LA in HoFH children. Here we report LA policies and short-term outcomes. Methods: We approached centers worldwide, involved in LA in children with hoFH for participation. We collected information on clinical and treatment characteristics on patients aged 0–19 years between November 2016 and November 2018. Results: We included 50 children, treated at 15 sites. Median (IQR) LDL-C levels at diagnosis, on medication and on LA were 19.2 (16.2–22.1), 14.4 (10.8–16.7) mmol/L and 4.6 mmol/L, respectively. Median (IQR) time between diagnosis and start of LA was 2.8 (1.0–4.7) years. Six (12%) patients developed cardiovascular disease during that period. Most children received LA either weekly (43%) or biweekly (37%). Seven (17%) patients reached mean LDL-C levels <3.5 mmol/L, all of them treated at least weekly. Xanthomas were present in 42 (84%) patients at diagnosis and disappeared completely in 19 (45%) on LA. Side effects of LA were minor. There were significant differences in LA conduction between sites in terms of frequency, responsible medical specialities and vascular access. Conclusions: LA is a safe treatment and may effectively lower LDL-C in children with HoFH. However, there is room for improvement with respect to time of onset and optimization of LA therapy in terms of frequency and execution.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)24-31
Number of pages8
JournalAtherosclerosis
Volume299
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2020

Keywords

  • Children
  • Familial hypercholesterolemia
  • Homozygous
  • Lipoprotein spheresis

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