Improved reactive hyperemia test after plasma exchange in familial hypercholesterolemia

• Published in: Atherosclerosis Vol. 56; no. 2; pp. 237 - 242
• Main Authors: Rubba, P., Postiglione, A., Scarpato, N., Iannuzzi, A., Mancini, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ireland Ltd 01.08.1985; Elsevier
• Subjects: Adult; Arterial flow; Atherosclerosis (general aspects, experimental research); Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Cardiology. Vascular system; Child; Familial hypercholesterolemia; Female; Humans; Hyperemia - physiopathology; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II - physiopathology; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II - therapy; Leg - blood supply; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Plasma Exchange; Rest; Strain gauge plethysmography; Time Factors; Arterial flow; Plasma exchange; Familial hypercholesterolemia; Strain gauge plethysmography; Human; Hypercholesterolemia; Atherosclerosis; Cardiovascular disease; Hemodynamics; Reactive hyperemia; Genetic disease
• ISSN: 0021-9150; 1879-1484
• DOI: 10.1016/0021-9150(85)90022-X

By using a non-invasive methodology of vascular diagnosis, ECG-triggered strain-gauge plethysmography, 5 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) (3 homozygous, 2 heterozygous) were evaluated before and during the 1st and 2nd week after plasma exchange (PE). In order to obtain data on the responsiveness to vasodilating stimuli in FH patients undergoing PE, reactive hyperemia test and peak flow determination were also performed. Resting arterial flow over the calf was found to be significantly enhanced after PE. Reactive hyperemia test demonstrated persistent improvement of peak flow following exchange. This study demonstrates useful hemodynamic effects of PE in patients with FH.