Experience with proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexine type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) in patients undergoing lipoprotein apheresis

Purpose

We analyzed efficacy and safety of PCSK9i in patients undergoing lipoprotein apheresis (LA) and in patients treated at our outpatient department for metabolic disorders.

Methods

The medical records of 40 LA patients, taking PCSK9i were reviewed with respect to LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) lowering as well as occurrence of adverse events. Furthermore, we analyzed the data of 152 patients of our outpatient department, undergoing PCSK9i therapy.

Results

Mean pre-apheresis LDL-C value was reduced by PCSK9i from 3.71 ± 1.19 to 1.78 ± 0.84 mmol/l (53 ± 12%). The relative lowering of the pre-apheresis Lp(a) was 20 ± 12% (from 191 ± 63.5 to 152 ± 51.9 nmol/l). 25% of LA patients could stop LA after reaching LDL-C target after initiation of PCSK9i. 75% of the patients are continuing the regular LA therapy, showing an insufficient LDL-C lowering following PCSK9i injections or/and additionally elevated Lp(a) or/and adverse effects of PCSK9i, leading to the discontinuation of injections. The number of LA patients has grown from 112 in 2016 to 128 nowadays due to an increasing percentage of patients with elevated Lp(a) (79% and 89% respectively). The mean reduction rate of LDL-C under PCSK9i therapy in outpatients was 53.03%. In 34% of patients the target value could not be reached. 43% of persons suffered from adverse effects.

Conclusions

3/4 of LA patients could not stop extracorporeal treatment after PCSK9i administration. In hypercholesterolemic patients with coexisting elevated Lp(a) and progressive cardiovascular disease the combination of LA and PCSK9i could be beneficial. The total patients’ number in LA units increases due to persons with Lp(a)-hyperlipoproteinemia.