Lipoprotein-a: a laboratory tool for clinical categorization of CVD

A case-control study was done to evaluate the association of Lipoprotein(a)LP(a)] with CVD (Cerebrovascular disease) and also to assess the implication of serum LP(a) concentration as a differentiating marker between ICVD (Ischemic CVD) & HCVD (Hemorrhagic CVD). 150 non-smokers, non-alcoholic subjects free from DM, renal disease, thyroid disease and liver disease were studied. Among them 120 were CVD cases and 30 were age & sex matched healthy control. Fasting (12 hr.) blood samples were collected from all subjects and in CVD cases samples were collected after 24 hr. of attack. Serum LP(a) concentration were measured in all samples. Mean serum LP(a) concentration in control, HCVD & ICVD were found to be 17.6 +/- 7.4 mg/dl, 31.9 +/- 15.6 mg/dl and 44.8 +/- 24.0 mg/dl respectively. Both HCVD & ICVD cases showed significantly higher level of serum LP(a) concentration compared to control. Moreover ICVD cases showed significantly higher level of serum LP(a) concentration compared to HCVD cases. The exquisite athero-thrombo-embolic potential of LP(a) explain its involvement with CVD but more with ICVD in comparison to HCVD; This finding apparently suggest the prospect of serum LP(a) concentration to be used as a promising laboratory maker to differentiate clinically the ICVD from HCVD following determination of cut-off value between ICVD & HCVD by broad based comprehensive study.