Efficacy of low-density lipoprotein apheresis combined with corticosteroids for cholesterol crystal embolism

Corticosteroids have been widely used in patients with cholesterol crystal embolism (CCE) and low-density lipoprotein apheresis (LDL-A) was reported to reduce the risk of end-stage renal disease in patients with CCE. This study was designed to evaluate the renoprotective effects of LDL-A in combination with corticosteroids in patients with CCE. Thirty-five patients with CCE who, between 2008 and 2013, had shown renal deterioration after vascular interventions were retrospectively evaluated. All patients received corticosteroids; of these, 24 also received LDL-A and 11 did not, designated LDL-A and control groups, respectively. Differences in eGFR (ΔeGFR), 3 months and 1 year after CCE diagnosis, were compared in the two groups. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in all patients was 38.9 [interquartile range (IQR) 31.9–49.4] ml/min/1.73 m2 at baseline (before vascular intervention). At diagnosis, it was 14.4 (IQR 11.3–21.8) ml/min/1.73 m2. The initial corticosteroid dose was 0.34 ± 0.10 mg/kg/day. The mean number of LDL-A treatment sessions in the LDL-A group was 4.3 ± 1.8. eGFR was increased significantly after LDL-A treatments, from 15.0 (IQR 12.3–20.1) to 19.6 (IQR 14.3–23.6) ml/min/1.73 m2 (P