Serum lipopotein (a) levels in a large sample of subjects affected by familial combined hyperlipoproteinaemia and in general population

BACKGROUND: Serum lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is a lipidic parameter, strictly under genetic control. Lp(a) levels vary in different dyslipidaemias according to the underlying disease. DESIGN: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare serum Lp(a) mean levels distribution in a large familial combined hyperlipoproteinaemia (FCH) patients sample with a normolipidaemic group. METHODS: FCH group included 138 subjects (74 males and 65 females) aged from 16 to 88 years; the control group included 438 normolipidaemic subjects (238 males and 200 females) aged from 16 to 91 years. In both groups we have measured Lp(a) concentrations and other lipidic parameters. RESULTS: Serum lipid levels as well as Lp(a) log-transformed concentrations were on average higher in FCH patients than in control subjects. Lp(a) concentrations were not significantly different between sexes and among 20-year age classes in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between FCH and Lp(a) remains controversial. However, since both are considered independent risk factors for premature CHD development, even if their pathogenic interaction is still unclear, we suggest that Lp(a) values should be carefully monitored in dyslipidaemic subjects and particularly in FCH ones. In FCH subjects with elevated Lp(a) levels, aggressive intervention could be required.