LIPOPROTEIN-A LEVELS AFTER INTESTINAL-BYPASS OPERATION FOR MORBID-OBESITY

Background: Serum Lipoprotein A [Lp(a)] is considered an independent r isk factor for cardiovascular disease. Reduction of other risk factors such as serum triglycerides and serum cholesterol is seen after weigh t reduction but it has been difficult to demonstrate a similar reducti on of Lp(a), in this study Lp(a) is studied following weight reduction after intestinal bypass surgery for obesity. Methods: A cross-section al study was performed in which Lp(a) levels were compared between pat ients operated with intestinal bypass surgery for obesity (bilio-intes tinal bypass) and a closely matched control group. The controls were c hosen so as to correspond to the operated patients' preoperative body mass indices. Results: The operated group had reduced their body mass index from a mean of 42 kg/m(2) to a mean of 29 kg/m(2) and had a sign ificantly lower mean serum Lp(a) level (113 mg/l, SEM 34) than control s (207 mg/l, SEM 37), p < 0.05. Conclusion: Lowered Lp(a) levels are c orrelated to substantial weight loss following intestinal bypass surge ry for obesity.