[Association between lipoprotein (a) level and chronic cardio-renal syndrome in elderly patients]

Y Wang1, Q Y Wang1, C Guan2

  • 1Department of Geriatric Cardiology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang 050051, China.

Insights

Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels are independently associated with chronic cardio-renal syndrome (CRS) in elderly patients, indicating a significant risk factor for this condition.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology
  • Geriatrics
  • Clinical Biochemistry

Background:

  • Cardio-renal syndrome (CRS) is a complex condition affecting elderly patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).
  • Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a recognized cardiovascular risk factor, but its specific role in CRS remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels and the prevalence of chronic cardio-renal syndrome (CRS) in elderly patients.
  • To identify Lp(a) as a potential independent risk factor for CRS in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 172 elderly CHF patients (age ≥ 65) categorized into CRS (eGFR < 60 ml·min⁻¹·1.73 m⁻²) and non-CRS (eGFR ≥ 60 ml·min⁻¹·1.73 m⁻²) groups.
  • Clinical data, including Lp(a) levels and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), were collected and analyzed.
  • Multivariate logistic regression and subgroup analyses were performed to assess the relationship between Lp(a) and CRS, considering comorbidities like coronary heart disease and hypertension.

Main Results:

  • Patients in the CRS group exhibited significantly higher Lp(a) levels compared to the CHF group (P<0.05).
  • Lp(a) levels showed a negative correlation with both LVEF (r=-0.155, P=0.043) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r=-0.220, P=0.004) in the overall cohort.
  • Multivariate analysis identified age and Lp(a) as independent correlates of CRS (OR=3.719 for Lp(a), P=0.012), with Lp(a) also being an independent factor in subgroups with coronary heart disease and hypertension.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated serum Lp(a) levels are independently associated with the presence of chronic cardio-renal syndrome in elderly patients.
  • Lp(a) may serve as a valuable biomarker for identifying elderly patients at higher risk of developing CRS, particularly those with underlying coronary heart disease or hypertension.

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