Hyperlipidemia and elevated lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels have been linked to the development and progression of premature atherosclerosis. Two male caucasian patients (36 and 42 years old) with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and extremely elevated Lp(a) concentrations, resistant to diet regimen and lipid lowering drugs, were treated with LDL-apheresis for 55 months (liposorber system, Kaneka, Japan) and 15 months (immunoadsorption system, special Lp(a) columns, Lipopak, Pocard, Russia). Lp(a) dropped on average by 50%, total cholesterol by 27%, LDL-cholesterol by 42%, triglycerides by 43% and the fibrinogen concentration by 16%. Prior to treatment, both patients had suffered three myocardial infarctions. Four and six coronary angiographies with two and four percutaneous transluminal angioplasties (PTCA) were necessary. Since the treatment with LDL-apheresis neither myocardial infarctions nor cardiac complaints have been observed, and both patients have reported better performance. Available data suggest that LDL-apheresis may be effective in the treatment of patients with extremely high Lp(a) concentration.
Thyroid iodine concentration and total thyroid iodine were determined by an automated technique by means of the ceric arsenious acid reaction in 42 males and 13 females. The thyroids were taken from autopsy material in a region with a low dietary intake. The accuracy of the method to estimate iodine was checked by neutron activation analysis. There was an excellent correlation between the iodine contents of thyroid specimens, when measured by chemical or by activation analysis. The mean iodine concentration was 1.86 mg/g dry weight and was found to be lower than in non-goitrous regions. In goitres, the mean iodine concentration was significantly lower, and the mean total thyroid of normal weight. There was no significant difference in iodine concentration and total iodine between males and females. The thyroid iodine concentration did not depend upon age in adults. The data were log normally distributed. It was established that mean iodine concentrations under 2 mg/g dry weight or 0.45 mg/g fresh weight are to be regarded as an important index of iodine deficiency.
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