Exploring the Role, History of Lipoprotein Apheresis, with Laurence Sperling, MD, and Eugenia Gianos, MD

On October 07, 2024, the American Heart Association (AHA) released a scientific statement outlining the role and supporting data for using lipoprotein apheresis in clinical practice.

At 18 pages in length, citing 104 references, and featuring a multitude of charts and colorized graphics, the scientific statement’s specific aim is to provide an overview of the history of lipoprotein apheresis, mechanisms of action, cardiovascular and renal outcomes data, indications, and options for treatment. Composed on behalf of several AHA councils, including the Council on Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing, and Council on Clinical Cardiology, the document was created by a volunteer writing committee chaired by Laurence Sperling, MD, Katz Professor in Preventive Cardiology and founder of the Emory Center for Heart Disease Prevention.

In this HCPLive Special Report, Sperling is joined by committee vice-chair Eugenia Gianos, MD, director of Cardiovascular Prevention at Northwell Health, for a deep dive into the AHA’s scientific statement, their personal experiences with lipoprotein apheresis, and future considerations in the evolving landscape of lipodology.

In the introduction video featured above, Sperling explains the importance of raising awareness of this underutilized treatment for patients with severe hypercholesterolemia, including familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. Gianos highlights key points from the statement, focusing on the specific patient populations that benefit most from this therapy, such as those with homozygous and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, as well as those with elevated Lp(a) levels. Both experts emphasize the importance of the central illustration in the statement, which concisely presents the treatment’s benefits, including reductions in LDL, Lp(a), and inflammation markers.

Check out more from this series:

Introduction

Clinical Application of Lipoprotein Apheresis

Future Considerations

Laurence Sperling has no disclosures to report. Relevant disclosures for Gianos include Amgen, AstraZeneca,Eli Lilly and Company, kaenka, Novartis, and Med-IQ.

References:

1. Gianos E, Duell PB, Toth PP, et al. Lipoprotein Apheresis: Utility, Outcomes, and Implementation in Clinical Practice: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. Published online October 7, 2024. doi:10.1161/ATV.0000000000000177
2. Iapoce C. AHA scientific statement promotes expanded use of lipoprotein apheresis. HCP Live. October 11, 2024. Accessed October 17, 2024. https://www.hcplive.com/view/aha-scientific-statement-promotes-expanded-use-of-lipoprotein-apheresis.