[Biochemical, rheological and clinical aspects of using the HELP system in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and cerebrovascular disorders].

The HELP system is a new method of selective plasmapheresis, which decreases LDL concentration in plasma with the additional effect of lowering Lp (a) and fibrinogen, while HDL are increased during long-term treatment. The HELP system also significantly improves plasma viscosity, erythrocyte aggregation and red cells deformability. In patients with severe hypercholesterolaemia a good clinical effect of this therapy has been established. Preliminary results of the HELP system application in cerebrovascular disease indicated a clinical improvement in patients treated in this way in relation to the basic values as well as to the control group. No serious haemorrhagic or thrombotic effects have been observed during therapy, but in view of interference in coagulation and fibrinolysis this possibility should be considered.