Serum Lp(a) lipoprotein levels in patients with atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the lower extremities

Objective: to evaluate the association between Lp(a) lipoprotein levels, ot her serum lipids and the presence of lower limb atherosclerotic occlusive d isease. Materials and methods: angiographic findings in 36 patients were related to serum Lp(a). Total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-choles terol and Lp(a) levels were compared with those of 73 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Results: atheromatous lesions were localised in the femoropopliteal (approx imate to 60%) and aortoiliac (approximate to 40%) segments. The number of s tenosed arteries was greater than or equal to 2 and the range of stenosis s everity was between 40% and 100%. There was a significant increase in serum Lp(a) (p = 0.000001) and a decrease in serum HDL (p = 0.000009) levels in patients compared to controls. No difference was observed in total choleste rol, LDL-cholesterol or triglyceride. However, the ratio of total cholester ol/HDL-cholesterol was significantly higher (p = 0.005) in patients. Conclusions: a dyslipidaemic serum profile, characterised by increased Lp(a ) levels and decreased HDL-cholesterol levels, is associated with atheroscl erotic occlusive disease of the lower extremities.