Development of a Pharmacist-Managed Lipid Clinic

OBJECTIVE: To describe the development of a pharmacist-managed lipid clinic within a primary care medical clinic and review its results after approximately 12 months of operation. METHODS: A pharmacist-managed lipid clinic was developed at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Administrative background, treatment algorithm development, operational issues, clinical activities, and barriers to the clinic are discussed. For intermediate outcomes, data from patients who had at least 1 intervention by the pharmacist and 1 follow-up lipid panel were analyzed for medication use, changes in lipid parameters, and percent reaching the low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) target goal. Modified National Cholesterol Education Program — Adult Treatment Panel II guidelines were used to determine the LDL goal. RESULTS: Following approximately 12 months of operation, the clinic received 204 referrals and consisted of 146 active patients. A brief study was conducted to assess clinical outcomes. Of 115 patients who were seen in the clinic and met inclusion criteria, 57% were receiving treatment with a hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) and 17% were receiving fibrates; 17% of the patients were not receiving lipid-lowering medications. Relative to baseline, LDL cholesterol concentrations decreased 20%, high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol increased 11%, and triglycerides decreased 19%. Overall, LDL goals were reached in 77% of the patients. LDL goals were attained by 63%, 79%, and 93% of patients with targets of <100, <130, and <160 mg/dL, respectively. Results are compared with other studies regarding lipid goal attainment. CONCLUSIONS: A pharmacist-managed lipid clinic can be developed and integrated into a primary care medical clinic. Pharmacists can effectively manage lipid-lowering therapy, helping to achieve LDL goals.

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Abstract P320: Gender Disparities in Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Control for Secondary Prevention Among Patients with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD): Does Having a Caregiver Matter?

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.125.suppl_10.ap320 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽

Author(s):

Gmerice Hammond ◽

Heidi Mochari-Greenberger ◽

Ming Liao ◽

Lori Mosca

Keyword(s):

Secondary Prevention ◽

Gender Gap ◽

Medical Center ◽

Academic Medical Center ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Gender Disparities ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽

Multivariable Adjustment ◽

Statin Use

Background: Despite the proven benefits of lipid lowering therapy for the prevention of recurrent CHD, research has consistently shown that women are less likely than men to be at established LDL targets. The reasons for the gender gap remain elusive. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that having a caregiver is independently associated with adherence to Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III LDL goals for secondary prevention, and to determine if the association varies by gender. Methods: We studied 2190 consecutive patients admitted to the cardiac service of an academic medical center as part of the NHLBI sponsored Family Cardiac Caregiver Investigation To Evaluate Outcomes (FIT-O) Study (93% participation rate). Patients with CHD or equivalent, and a documented LDL within 12 months of admission were included in this analysis (58% white, 66% male, mean age 67 yrs). Caregiver status was assessed by a standardized interviewer-assisted questionnaire and was classified as either paid (nurse/home aide) or informal (family member/friend). Lipid levels and statin use were obtained from a hospital-based informatics system and medical chart review. ATP III targets were classified as target (LDL<100 mg/dL) and aggressive target (LDL<70 mg/dL). The associations between caregiving and LDL were assessed using chi square statistics, overall and stratified by gender. Multivariable regression was used to adjust for confounders (age, marital status, race, gender, health insurance, statin use, comorbidities). Results: Males with CHD were more likely than females with CHD to be at target LDL <100 [79% (1149/1446) vs 69% (515/744) respectively; p=0.0001], and at LDL<70 [48% (688/1446) vs 36% (271/744); p<0.0001]. The prevalence of caregiving overall was 40% (N= 879/2190; 13% paid; 27% informal only), and did not differ by gender. Having an informal caregiver was significantly associated with LDL<70 (OR=1.35; 95%CI=1.07-1.70), and this remained significant after multivariable adjustment for confounders (OR=1.25; 95% CI=1.00-1.56). The association between caregiving and LDL<100 did not reach significance (OR=1.20; 95% CI=0.95-1.51). In stratified analysis, men with an informal caregiver were more likely than men without a caregiver to have an LDL<70 (OR=1.35; 95%CI=1.07-1.70); this remained significant after multivariable adjustment for confounders, including statin use (OR=1.37; 95%CI=1.04-1.80). The relation between caregiving and LDL control was not significant among women. Conclusion: Men with CHD were more likely to be at ATP III targets LDL <70 and <100 mg/dL than women with CHD. Having an informal caregiver was a significant predictor of being at aggressive target LDL <70mg/dL among men but not among women, even after adjustment for confounders. The potential role of caregiving as a novel contributor to gender disparities in LDL control deserves further study.

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Lipid Clinic is an Efficacious Model of Preventive Medicine

Rational Pharmacotherapy in Cardiology ◽

10.20996/1819-6446-2021-01-02 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 17 (1) ◽

pp. 4-10

Author(s):

A. V. Blokhina ◽

A. I. Ershova ◽

A. N. Meshkov ◽

A. S. Limonova ◽

V. I. Mikhailina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Lipid Metabolism ◽

Preventive Medicine ◽

Medical Center ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽

Medical Care System ◽

Lipid Clinic ◽

Lowering Therapy ◽

Target Values ◽

Very High

Aim. To characterize patients accessing lipid clinic and assess the efficiency of treatment in a specialized medical center.Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of the surviving medical records of outpatients who visited the lipid clinic of the National Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine (Moscow, Russia) in 2011-2019 (n=675) was carried out. Cardiovascular risk (CVR) and target lipoproteins levels were evaluated in accordance with actual guidelines for the diagnostics and correction of dyslipidemias.Results. The mediana of lipid clinic patients age was 57 [46;65] years. Female persons attend lipid clinic more often (61.5%). 48.5% of patients had low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) >4.9 mmol/L, 7.7% had triglycerides level >5.5 mmol/L. Most of the patients were diagnosed with type IIa hyperlipidemia (44,1%) or type IIb (28,0%). Inherited impaired lipid metabolism was diagnosed in 27.7% individuals. 12.7% of the patients had familial hypercholesterolemia, 57.4% – had secondary causes of impaired lipid metabolism. More than half of the patients (52.4%) had low or moderate CVR, 28.1% had a very high CVR. High or very high CVR individuals revisited the lipid clinic more often than people with lower risk (68.2% vs. 35.4%). Revisiting patients (25.4%) reached LDL-c targets more often (33.3% of very high CVR patients; 45.5% of moderate-risk people) than in ordinary outpatient practice. High-intensity statin therapy was recommended for 32% of patients, and combined lipid-lowering therapy – for 14.8%. Among very high CVR individuals, combined lipid-lowering therapy was prescribed for 38.5%. Given the lipid-lowering therapy prescribed in the lipid clinic, LDL-с<1.8 mmol/L and<1.5 mmol/L will be achieved at 40.7% and 32.9% of patients with very high СVR.Conclusion. Lipid clinic is an important part of the medical care system for long-term follow-up of patients with impaired lipid metabolism, and it is more efficient in achieving target values of lipids and correcting risk factors in comparison with the primary medical service.

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PCSK9 Inhibitors in Clinical Practice: Experience of a Specialized Lipid Center

Rational Pharmacotherapy in Cardiology ◽

10.20996/1819-6446-2021-12-01 ◽

2022 ◽

Vol 17 (6) ◽

pp. 808-815

Author(s):

A. V. Blokhina ◽

A. I. Ershova ◽

A. S. Limonova ◽

O. V. Kopylova ◽

A. N. Meshkov ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Intensity ◽

Low Density Lipoprotein ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽

Pcsk9 Inhibitors ◽

Lipid Clinic ◽

Lowering Therapy ◽

Lipid Metabolism Disorders ◽

Very High

Aim. To characterize patients receiving PCSK9 inhibitors, and assess the efficiency of their treatment in a specialized lipid center.Material and methods. A retrospective analysis of the medical records of patients who visited the Lipid clinic of the National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine (Moscow, Russia), receiving PCSK9 inhibitor and having lipid profile in dynamics, was carried out (n=77). Cardiovascular risk (CVR) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) target levels were evaluated in accordance with the Russian guidelines for the diagnostics and correction of dyslipidemias 2020.Results. Of 77 patients taking PCSK9 inhibitors (44.2% males, the median of age 56 [47; 66] years), the majority (64.0%) had a probable or definite familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The proportion of other lipid metabolism disorders, pure hypercholesterolemia and combined hyperlipidemia was 21% and 15%. More than half of the patients (68.8%) had a very high CVR, mainly due to the presence of coronary heart disease (84.9%). The proportion of patients receiving PCSK9 inhibitors as monotherapy was 7.8%, in combination with high-intensity statin therapy – 33.8%, as part of triple lipid-lowering therapy (high-intensity statin, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors) – 50.6%. Addition of PCSK9 inhibitors to combined lipid-lowering therapy enabled to reduce the LDL-C level to 1.02 [0.62; 1.39] mmol/l with its total decrease from the baseline by 87.3%. While taking PCSK9 inhibitors, LDL-C <1.8 mmol/l and <1.4 mmol/l achieved at 78.3% and 57.7% FH patients with high and very high CVR, respectively. Among patients with other hyperlipidemias, 74.1% of patients with very high CVR was achieved the target LDL-C level <1.4 mmol/l.Conclusion: In a specialized lipid center, PCSK9 inhibitors are prescribed to patients with high or very high CVR, most of whom are FH patients. The effectiveness of the use of PCSK9 inhibitors in real-world practice is comparable to the results of clinical trials.

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Structure and Function of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) in Hyperlipidemia and Atherosclerosis

Current Drug Targets ◽

10.2174/1389450120666190214141626 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (10) ◽

pp. 1029-1040 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Xinjie Lu

Keyword(s):

Low Density Lipoprotein ◽

Ldl Receptor ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Structure And Function ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽

Proprotein Convertase ◽

Novel Target ◽

New Treatments ◽

And Function

Background:One of the important factors in Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) metabolism is the LDL receptor (LDLR) by its capacity to bind and subsequently clear cholesterol derived from LDL (LDL-C) in the circulation. Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin-like Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a newly discovered serine protease that destroys LDLR in the liver and thereby controls the levels of LDL in plasma. Inhibition of PCSK9-mediated degradation of LDLR has, therefore, become a novel target for lipid-lowering therapy.Methods:We review the current understanding of the structure and function of PCSK9 as well as its implications for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.Results:New treatments such as monoclonal antibodies against PCSK9 may be useful agents to lower plasma levels of LDL and hence prevent atherosclerosis.Conclusion:PCSK9's mechanism of action is not yet fully clarified. However, treatments that target PCSK9 have shown striking early efficacy and promise to improve the lives of countless patients with hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.

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Efficacy and Safety of Evolocumab in Reducing Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Chinese Patients with Non-ST-segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

Current Vascular Pharmacology ◽

10.2174/1570161118666200616144141 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 ◽

Author(s):

Xiaohan Xu ◽

Meng Chai ◽

Yujing Cheng ◽

Pingan Peng ◽

Xiaoli Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Density Lipoprotein ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Statin Treatment ◽

Chinese Patients ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Control Group ◽

Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽

St Segment Elevation ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

St Segment

Aims: To explore early intensive lipid-lowering therapy in patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). Background: Lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels can reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Due to many reasons, the need for early intensive lipid-lowering therapy is far from being met in Chinese NSTE-ACS patients at high-risk of recurrent ischaemic events. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and efficacy of starting evolocumab in hospital to lower LDL-C levels in Chinese patients with NSTE-ACS. Methods: In this prospective cohort study initiated by researchers, 334 consecutive patients with NSTE-ACS who had sub-standard LDL-C levels (LDL-C ≥2.3 mmol/L after regular oral statin treatment for at least 4 weeks; or LDL-C ≥3.2 mmol/L without regular oral statin treatment) were included. Patients who agreed to treatment with evolocumab (140 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks, initiated in hospital and used for 12 weeks after discharge) were enrolled in the evolocumab group (n=96) and others in the control group (n=238). All enrolled patients received regular statin treatment (atorvastatin 20 mg/day or rosuvastatin 10 mg/day; doses unchanged throughout the study).The primary endpoint was the change in LDL-C levels from baseline to week 12. Results: Most patients (67.1%) had not received regular statin treatment before. In the evolocumab group, LDL-C levels decreased significantly at week 4 and remained stable at week 8 and 12 (all p<0.001). At week 12, the LDL-C percentage change from baseline in the evolocumab group was -79.2±12.7% (from an average of 3.7 to 0.7 mmol/L), while in the control group it was -37.4±15.4% (from an average of 3.3 to 2.0 mmol/L). The mean difference between these 2 groups was -41.8% (95% CI -45.0 to -38.5%; p<0.001). At week 12, the proportions of patients with LDL-C levels <1.8 mmol/L and 1.4 mmol/L in the evolocumab group were significantly higher than in the control group (96.8 vs 36.1%; 90.6 vs 7.1%; both p<0.001). The incidence of adverse events and cardiovascular events was similar in both groups. Conclusions: In this prospective cohort study we evaluated the early initiation of evolocumab in NSTE-ACS patients in China. Evolocumab combined with statins significantly lowered LDL-C levels and increased the probability of achieving recommended LDL-C levels, with satisfactory safety and well tolerance.

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Coronary lesion complexity in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction: data from the RICO survey

Lipids in Health and Disease ◽

10.1186/s12944-021-01467-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Hermann Yao ◽

Michel Farnier ◽

Laura Tribouillard ◽

Frédéric Chague ◽

Philippe Brunel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Myocardial Infarction ◽

High Risk ◽

Ldl Cholesterol ◽

Statin Treatment ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Syntax Score ◽

Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽

Lipid Clinic ◽

Acute Mi ◽

Artery Disease

Abstract Background Although patients with familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia (FH) have a high risk of early myocardial infarction (MI), the coronary artery disease (CAD) burden in FH patients with acute MI remains to be investigated. Methods The data for all consecutive patients hospitalized in 2012–2019 for an acute MI and who underwent coronary angiography were collected from a multicenter database (RICO database). FH (n = 120) was diagnosed using Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria (score ≥ 6). We compared the angiographic features of MI patients with and without FH (score 0–2) (n = 234) after matching for age, sex, and diabetes (1:2). Results Although LDL-cholesterol was high (208 [174–239] mg/dl), less than half of FH patients had chronic statin treatment. When compared with non-FH patients, FH increased the extent of CAD (as assessed by SYNTAX score; P = 0.005), and was associated with more frequent multivessel disease (P = 0.004), multiple complex lesions (P = 0.022) and significant stenosis location on left circumflex and right coronary arteries. Moreover, FH patients had more multiple lesions, with an increased rate of bifurcation lesions or calcifications (P = 0.021 and P = 0.036, respectively). In multivariate analysis, LDL-cholesterol levels (OR 1.948; 95% CI 1.090–3.480, P = 0.024) remained an independent estimator of anatomical complexity of coronary lesions, in addition to age (OR 1.035; 95% CI 1.014–1.057, P = 0.001). Conclusions FH patients with acute MI had more severe CAD, characterized by complex anatomical features that are mainly dependent on the LDL-cholesterol burden. Our findings reinforce the need for more aggressive preventive strategies in these high-risk patients, and for intensive lipid-lowering therapy as secondary prevention.

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Cooking Education Improves Cooking Confidence and Dietary Habits in Veterans

The Diabetes Educator ◽

10.1177/0145721719848429 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 45 (4) ◽

pp. 442-449 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ashley S. Dexter ◽

Janet F. Pope ◽

Dawn Erickson ◽

Catherine Fontenot ◽

Elizabeth Ollendike ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Nutrition Education ◽

Weight Status ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Medical Center ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Dietary Quality ◽

Group Setting ◽

Lipid Panel ◽

Significant Difference

Purpose The purpose of the study was to evaluate a 12-week cooking education class on cooking confidence, dietary habits, weight status, and laboratory data among veterans with prediabetes and diabetes. Methods The sample for this study included 75 veterans within the Overton Brooks Veteran Affairs Medical Center who completed the 12-week class in an in-person group setting in Shreveport, Louisiana, or via Clinical Video Telehealth (CVT) in Longview, Texas. Veterans were referred to the Healthy Teaching Kitchen by their primary care provider or primary care dietitian. Enrollment in the class was on a volunteer basis. The cooking and nutrition education classes included topics such as carbohydrate counting, safety and sanitation, meal planning, and creating budget-friendly recipes. Participants completed 2 questionnaires for assessment of healthy dietary habits and confidence related to cooking. Changes in body weight, lipid panel, and hemoglobin A1C were assessed. Differences in class settings were tested via independent samples t tests. Paired samples t tests were completed to compare changes in mean laboratory results, weight, and questionnaire responses. Results Subjects lost a mean 2.91 ± 5.8 lbs ( P < .001). There was no significant difference in percent change in laboratory data and weight between subjects participating via CVT and subjects in the live class. Overall, there was significant improvement in the confidence questionnaire ratings and Healthy Habits Questionnaire responses. Conclusions Cooking and nutrition education can increase cooking confidence and dietary quality. These results provide support for the need for further research on the long-term effects of nutrition cooking education and for the benefits of using CVT software to provide education to remote facilities.

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M.671 Effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy in primary care in France

Atherosclerosis Supplements ◽

10.1016/s1567-5688(04)90669-7 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 155

Author(s):

E. Van Ganse ◽

P. Moulin ◽

M. Bertrand ◽

T. Souchet ◽

G. Pietri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽

Lowering Therapy

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Lipid-lowering treatment in hypercholesterolaemic patients: the CEPHEUS Pan-Asian survey

European Journal of Preventive Cardiology ◽

10.1177/1741826710397100 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 781-794 ◽

Cited By ~ 49

Author(s):

Jeong Euy Park ◽

Chern-En Chiang ◽

Muhammad Munawar ◽

Gia Khai Pham ◽

Apichard Sukonthasarn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Risk ◽

High Risk ◽

Large Scale ◽

Goal Attainment ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Final Analysis ◽

Relevant Information ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽

Lipid Lowering Drugs

Background: Treatment of hypercholesterolaemia in Asia is rarely evaluated on a large scale, and data on treatment outcome are scarce. The Pan-Asian CEPHEUS study aimed to assess low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment among patients on lipid-lowering therapy. Methods: This survey was conducted in eight Asian countries. Hypercholesterolaemic patients aged ≥18 years who had been on lipid-lowering treatment for ≥3 months (stable medication for ≥6 weeks) were recruited, and lipid concentrations were measured. Demographic and other clinically relevant information were collected, and the cardiovascular risk of each patient was determined. Definitions and criteria set by the updated 2004 National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines were applied. Results: In this survey, 501 physicians enrolled 8064 patients, of whom 7281 were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 61.0 years, 44.4% were female, and 85.1% were on statin monotherapy. LDL-C goal attainment was reported in 49.1% of patients overall, including 51.2% of primary and 48.7% of secondary prevention patients, and 36.6% of patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia. The LDL-C goal was attained in 75.4% of moderate risk, 55.4% of high risk, and only 34.9% of very high-risk patients. Goal attainment was directly related to age and inversely related to cardiovascular risk and baseline LDL-C. Conclusion: A large proportion of Asian hypercholesterolaemic patients on lipid-lowering drugs are not at recommended LDL-C levels and remain at risk for cardiovascular disease. Given the proven efficacy of lipid-lowering drugs in the reduction of LDL-C, there is room for further optimization of treatments to maximize benefits and improve outcomes.

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Abstract P560: Delipid Extracorporeal Lipoprotein Filter System: A New Lipid-Lowering Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Stroke ◽

10.1161/str.52.suppl_1.p560 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 52 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Yuqiong Jiao ◽

Ting Ye ◽

Xiang Han

Keyword(s):

Ischemic Stroke ◽

Acute Ischemic Stroke ◽

Plasma Lipids ◽

Low Density Lipoprotein ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Lipid Lowering ◽

Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽

Adsorption System ◽

Stroke Patients ◽

Safety Parameters

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to illustrate a new low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) adsorption system, Delipid Extracorporeal Lipoprotein filter from Plasma (DELP) system, and evaluate its safety and efficacy in acute ischemic stroke patients. Methods: This is an observational study of 22 acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent DELP treatment from March to August 2019. The DELP system was composed of a plasma filter JX-DELP, a COM.TEC cell separator and Tubing P1R Plasma Treatment Set. Clinical data and laboratory results including plasma lipids and some safety parameters before and after the apheresis were collected and analyzed. Results: The present study included 22 patients (15 males, 7 females, 59.95±13.71 years). The mean LDL-C was significantly reduced from 3.36±0.64 mmol/L to 2.30±0.53 mmol/L (31.5%, p <0.001, n=22) during a single DELP treatment, and from 3.59±0.48 mmol/L to 1.85±0.50 mmol/L (48.2%, p <0.001, n=13) after two apheresis, respectively. No clinically relevant changes were observed in hematologic safety parameters during DELP treatments. Conclusions: We concluded that the new LDL-C adsorption system is a promising method for timely and controllable LDL-C administration in acute ischemic stroke patients in view of its high efficacy, simple operation, and safety.

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