LIPOPROTEIN(A) IS AN INDEPENDENT RISK FACTOR FOR MULTIPLE CEREBRAL INFARCTIONS

In an attempt to ascertain whether Lp(a) is a risk factor for multiple cerebral infarctions (MCI), we have studied 83 patients with proven M CI and 39 subjects without MCI by computed tomography (CT). Seventy-on e patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) were i ncluded: 52 with and 19 without MCI. Serum Lp(a) levels were significa ntly higher in patients with MCI than in subjects without MCI. There w ere no differences in serum Lp(a) levels between NIDDM and non-diabeti c patients with MCI. The logistic regression analysis revealed that Lp (a) and hypertension were independent risk factors for the cerebral ev ent. The current study demonstrated that Lp(a) and hypertension are si gnificant risk factors for multiple cerebral infarctions.