Lipoprotein (a): its role in childhood thromboembolism

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Thrombosis Research
• Cardiovascular Risk Factors
• Lipoprotein Metabolism

Background:

• Elevated lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke in young adults.
• The role of Lp (a) in childhood thromboembolism requires further clarification.
• Thromboembolism in children necessitates understanding underlying risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of elevated lipoprotein (a) concentrations in pediatric thromboembolism.
• To measure Lp (a) levels in children diagnosed with arterial or venous thrombosis.
• To assess the association between Lp (a) and other thrombotic risk factors in children.

Main Methods:

• Lp (a) levels were measured in 72 children with thromboembolism (36 arterial, 36 venous).
• Investigated defects in the protein C anticoagulant system, antithrombin, and antiphospholipid antibodies.
• Assessed the prevalence of factor V Leiden mutation and protein C deficiency.

Main Results:

• Elevated Lp (a) (>50 mg/dL) was found in 8/36 children with arterial and 5/36 with venous thrombosis.
• Factor V Leiden mutation was present in 25 children, protein C deficiency in 10, antithrombin deficiency in 2, and antiphospholipid syndrome in 4.
• Three children with high Lp (a) had factor V Leiden mutation; one also had protein C deficiency.

Conclusions:

• Increased concentrations of lipoprotein (a) are implicated as a significant factor in childhood thrombosis.
• Lp (a) may contribute to the pathogenesis of thromboembolic events in pediatric populations.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms linking Lp (a) to childhood thrombosis.