Abstract: 【Abstract】Objective To achieve an effective method for the treatment of hyperlipidemia at lower cost, we developed a new type of low density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis system with dextran sulfate. Methods Fifty patients with hyperlipidemia were treated with this method in a total of 110 times. In every treatment, 600±100 ml plasma (about 25% of the total plasma of the patient) were collected by apheresis. Dextran sulfate (LDL absorbent) and calcium chloride (as a catalyzer) solution were added to the collected plasma. Dextran sulfate selectively binds LDL-cholesterol under the catalysis of Ca2+, and the LDL-cholesterol-dextran sulfate complex was removed by centrifugation. The treated plasma was then transfused back to the patient, and the excessive calcium in the plasma was removed by a cation exchange column integrated in the transfusion set. Results After every treatment, total cholesterol in plasma reduced by 11% (from 6.52±0.5 to 5.8±0.4mmol/l), triglyceride reduced by 15% (from 3.85±2.1 to 3.27±1.5mmol/l), and LDL-C reduced by 20% (from 4.03±0.86 to 3.2±0.52mmol/l). HDL-C and albumin remained unchanged. Conclusions The new LDL apheresis system with dextran sulfate is easy to operate without using complicated equipments. This method achieves significant clinical effect at a lower cost, as compared with the other available systems. It is therefore a safe, effective and cheaper measure for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Key words: Low density lipoprotein, Apheresis, Dextran sulfate