Original scientific paper
Is Lipoprotein(A) a Risk Factor for Atherosclerosis of the Retinal Arteries?
E. Tedeschi-Reiner
Ž. Reiner
R. Iveković
K. Novak-Lauš
Abstract
Elevated plasma Lp(a) has been linked to development of coronary artery disease
(CAD). There is no data about plasma Lp(a) and atherosclerosis of the retinal arteries.
Therefore the purpose of this study was to assess the risk of retinal vessels atherosclerosis
conferred by elevated plasma Lp(a) levels in 73 adult males. The results were compared
with those in 45 matched apparently healthy males with no retinal vessel
changes. The atherosclerotic changes of the retinal vessels were determined by direct
ophthalmoscopy and graded (1–4) according to Scheie. Plasma levels of Lp(a) were measured
by radial immunodiffusion. The results were compared using chi-square test. Although
a very weak correlation between plasma Lp(a) levels and the incidence of retinal
atherosclerosis was found, no significant association between the degree of atherosclerotic
changes and plasma Lp(a) levels could be proven. Thus it could be concluded that
plasma Lp(a) level is not a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis of the retinal
arteries.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
28306
URI
Publication date:
16.12.2002.
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