Patient experiences of a lipoprotein apheresis service

Lipoprotein apheresis involves the extracorporeal removal of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and other atherogenic lipoproteins from the blood. It is a lifesaving treatment for patients with very high low-density lipoprotein levels which cannot be sufficiently lowered by lipid-lowering drugs and diet. However, it is an invasive, repetitive and chronic treatment under taken at fortnightly intervals on an outpatient basis, meaning that patients need considerable commitment to undertake the treatment. The Lipoprotein Apheresis Unit at University Hospital Llandough is one of only eight centres in the UK, and has undertaken patient research to evaluate the service, so that changes can be implemented to ensure the service meets the needs and expectations of patients. The survey showed that patients consider apheresis treatment to be an important and beneficial part of their health care. The majority of patients (68%) reported that their general health had improved since starting lipoprotein apheresis treatm...