Increased plasma levels of lipoprotein(a) and the risk of idiopathic and recurrent venous thromboembolism

Abstract

Purpose: Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels are a recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, little is known about their effects on venous thromboembolism.

Methods: We conducted a case-control study of 603 adult patients with a history of venous thromboembolism (at least 6 months after the acute event) and 430 healthy subjects. We measured Lp(a), homocysteine, and antithrombin levels, factor V Leiden and factor II (prothrombin) polymorphisms, and anticardiolipin antibodies.

Results: Lp(a) levels >300 mg/L were found in 24% (n = 146) of the patients and in 13% (n = 58) of the controls (P = 0.005). In a multivariate analysis adjusted for acquired and hemostasis-related risk factors, there was an independent association between elevated (>300 mg/L) Lp(a) levels and venous thromboembolism (odds ratio = 2.1; 95% confidence interval: 1.4 to 3.2; P = 0.002). These results were confirmed in the 341 patients with idiopathic venous thromboembolism, as well as in those with recurrent thromboembolism.

Conclusion: These results show that Lp(a) is an independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism in adults, suggesting that it may be involved in the pathogenesis of idiopathic and recurrent disease.