Frederick J. Raal Articles

AHA Scientific Sessions 2014: The Editors view of Day 2

PCSK9 Forum Editor Professor Derick Raal, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, discusses posters presented to date. Since the arrival of the PCSK9 inhibitors, there has been a resurgence of interest in lipids in the poster sessions with a dedicated “lipid lane” which was very…

Rationale for TESLA and results

Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) can be significantly reduced in patients with a serious genetic disorder – homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) – when a PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab is added to statins and other lipid-lowering medications. Professor Frederick Raal explains the results of the TESLA study.

Overlap between HoFH and severe FH and implications for evolocumab

The implications of the overlap between homozygous hypercholesterolaemia and severe familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) – two genetic disorders characterised by very high levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) – should be considered when selecting treatment. Professor Frederick Raal discusses the issue.

Implications from TESLA for FH management

The investigational PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab, promises to be an important new treatment for a rare but serious genetic disorder, homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, according to one of the investigators in the TESLA study, Professor Frederick Raal.

Do the PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies have neurocognitive effects

There is reassuring evidence of the neurocognitive safety of the monoclonal antibodies developed to reduce low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by targeting PCSK9, Professor Frederick Raal discusses this topic.

Will the PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies replace other lipid lowering treatment used with statins

Where will the new PCSK9 inhibitors fit into the treatment of people whose raised low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) puts them at high risk of cardiovascular disease? Leading researcher, Professor Frederick Raal discusses this important question.

Heterogeneity in FH: What are the implications for management?

According to Professor Frederick Raal, South Africa, irrespective of genotype, what matters is reducing the LDL-C burden with lipid-lowering therapy. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal co-dominant disorder usually resulting from mutations in the LDL receptor (LDLR) gene characterised by elevated levels of LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C)…

Paediatric FH: do you need a genetic diagnosis?

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is characterised clinically by life-long elevated levels of low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease.  FH is predominantly due to mutations in the gene encoding the LDL receptor, and less commonly to mutations in the APOB or PCSK9 genes….

Rationale for TESLA and results

Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) can be significantly reduced in patients with a serious genetic disorder – homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) – when a PCSK9 inhibitor evolocumab is added to statins and other lipid-lowering medications. Professor Frederick Raal explains the results of the TESLA study.

Overlap between HoFH and severe FH and implications for evolocumab

The implications of the overlap between homozygous hypercholesterolaemia and severe familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) – two genetic disorders characterised by very high levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) – should be considered when selecting treatment. Professor Frederick Raal discusses the issue.

Do the PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies have neurocognitive adverse effects?

Will the PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies replace other lipid lowering treatments currently used with statins?

Where will the new PCSK9 inhibitors fit into the treatment of people whose raised low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) puts them at high risk of cardiovascular disease? Leading researcher, Professor Frederick Raal discusses this important question.