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

BackgroundSide effects and patient satisfaction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis treatment has been less vigorously studied than hemodialysis treatment in end-stage renal failure.ObjectiveIn the present study we systematically compared three different LDL apheresis columns with respect to side effects and patient satisfaction.MethodsThree 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.ResultsOne 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.ConclusionsSide 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.