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Published on: October 12, 2017
Lipoprotein (a) as a risk factor for ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis
Alexander H Nave1, Kristin S Lange2, Christopher O Leonards2
1Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Berlin, Germany.
Elevated lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke, particularly in younger individuals. Further research is needed to clarify sex-specific risk differences.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Neurology
- Genetics and Genomics
Background:
- Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is recognized for its atherogenic properties.
- The association between Lp(a) and ischemic stroke risk is not fully established.
- Understanding Lp(a)'s role is crucial for stroke prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis to quantify the association between Lp(a) and ischemic stroke.
- To identify potential differences in risk across various subgroups.
- To clarify the controversial role of Lp(a) in ischemic stroke etiology.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of PubMed and ScienceDirect using MeSH terms for lipoproteins and stroke.
- Inclusion of case-control and prospective cohort studies published up to December 2014.
- Meta-analysis and meta-regression of pooled adjusted odds ratios (OR) or risk ratios (RR) for Lp(a) levels and ischemic stroke.
Main Results:
- The meta-analysis included 20 articles with 90,904 subjects and 5029 stroke events.
- High Lp(a) levels were associated with increased risk: pooled OR 1.41 (case-control) and RR 1.29 (prospective).
- Increased risk was observed in younger populations (mean age ≤55 years); sex-specific differences were inconsistent.
Conclusions:
- Elevated Lp(a) is confirmed as an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke.
- Lp(a) may pose a heightened risk for younger individuals experiencing ischemic stroke.
- Further investigation into sex-specific risk and subgroup analyses is warranted.
