Short-term Effect of LDL-Apheresis on Lipid Profile of Patients with Nephrotic and Non-Nephrotic Hyperlipidemia: A Comparative Study

Background: Persistent hyperlipidemia is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity in patients with nephrotic and non-nephrotic patients. Low-density lipoprotein-apheresis (LDL-apheresis) was shown to rapidly remove lipid structures. The current study aimed to compare the initial lipid profiles in patients with nephrotic syndrome and non-nephrotic hyperlipidemia as well as to evaluate the lipid profile of each group following a single treatment with LDL-apheresis. Methods: This is an open-label observational cross-sectional study of patients treated with LDL-apheresis including ten patients with nephrotic syndrome and thirteen patients with non-nephrotic hyperlipidemia who were either resistant and/or intolerant of lipid lowering therapy, with normal kidney function. Routine blood tests with full traditional lipid profile (Total cholesterol-(TC), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), High-density lipoprotein (HDL), Triglycerides-(TG)) were determined before and after 12-hours following a single LDL-apheresis procedure. Results: Both groups were comparable by sex and age with more males than female in both groups. Baseline lipid profile was different between the two groups with nephrotic syndrome patients having significantly higher TC (p=0.05), LDL (p<0.001) and HDL (p<0.02) than those with non-nephrotic hyperlipidemia. A single treatment with LDL-apheresis resulted in significant improvements in the lipid profile of both groups including TC, HDL, LDL and TG, however HDL not significantly reduced in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Conclusion: Resistant nephrotic syndrome patients have a more severe and persistent hyperlipidemia than patients with non-nephrotic hyperlipidemia. The current study shows that LDL-apheresis is a safe and effective alternative to those who cannot tolerate or resistant to conventional treatments.