The Help-System in the Treatment of Severe Hypercholesterolaemia: Acute and Long-Term Experience

Summary

The HELP procedure provides a new means of treating high LDL concentrations in severe hypercholesterolemia with the unique additional effect of lowering Lp(a) and fibrinogen. In combination with HMG-CoA-reductase inhibitors a mean interval value of -75% for LDL as compared to the starting concentration may be achieved. The treatment has the advantage that the patient is not exposed to foreign proteins or compounds with attendant immunological problems. It displays a high degree of reproducibility and an almost unlimited capacity guaranteeing a constant therapy independent of the clinic performing the treatment. The first coronary angiographies after 2 years of HELP treatment in over 50 patients (to be reported elsewhere) give support to the hope that regression of coronary heart disease is possible in humans. Further studies and observations should eventually tell us at what level of LDL, Lp(a) and fibrinogen this may be expected.

We trust that the clinical benefit of this treatment regimen will be substantial for those patients who have problems in clearing LDL from their plasma pool and who are at the same time sensitive to elevated LDL-levels by the development of premature coronary sclerosis.