Affiliations: Dept. of Neurology, Karl-Franzens University of Graz, Austria | Dept. of Ophtalmology, Karl-Franzens University of Graz, Austria
Note: [] Correspondence to: Berengaria WALZL, M.D., Dept. of Neurology, Karl-Franzens Univer-sity of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 22, A-8036 Graz, Austria.
Abstract: By means of heparin-induced extracorporeal LDL precipitation (HELP) selective, immediate and safe elimination of substances relevant to haemorheology such as fibrinogen, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) , and triglycerides has become possible. The reduction of these parameters leads to a quick and statistically significant amelioration of the haemorheologic pattern, which has so far not been obtained by any haemorheologically active substance in comparable time or to a comparable degree. As this procedure was proved to be successful in cases of cardiac and cerebrovascular disease as well as in peripheral arterial disease where the haemorheologic state and clinical symptoms were improved after HELP series, this treatment was also used in five patiens with ocular microcirculatory diseases (two branch retinal vein occlusions, one central retinal vein occlusion, one central artery occlusion, and one nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. HELP was applied 6 times in each case. Fibrinogen (p < 0.0001), total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides (p < 0.001 each) were significantly reduced, even whole blood and plasma viscosity (p < 0.002 each) and red cell transit time (p < 0.003) had been ameliorated. At the end of the treatment session the patients showed an increase of their visual acuity by three or more lines as well as an improvement of the visual field. This very first results in oculary application of HELP could open an new discussion about the hypothesis that improved haemorheologic property of blood is an important factor in clinical recovery as well as basic ophtalmological function.
