Global think tank on the clinical considerations and management of lipoprotein(a): The top questions and answers regarding what clinicians need to know
Salim S. Virani, Marlys L. Koschinsky, Lisa V. Maher, Anurag Mehta, Carl E. Orringer, Raúl D. Santos, Michael D. Shapiro, Joseph J. Saseen
Abstract
Evidence from Mendelian randomization studies suggest that lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) has a causal role in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk. However, guidelines and consensus statement recommendations vary regarding how clinicians should incorporate Lp(a) into patient care. To provide practical answers to key questions pertaining to Lp(a) that clinicians will find useful when assessing and treating patients, a global think tank was convened. Representatives from seven national and international stakeholder organizations answered questions that were focused on: Lp(a) measurement; ethnic, gender, and age considerations; factoring Lp(a) into risk assessment; and current and emerging treatment options for elevated Lp(a). This manuscript summarizes the finding from this global think tank. Areas requiring further investigation were identified, and the need to standardize reporting of Lp(a) levels to ensure harmonization and comparability across laboratories and research studies is emphasized.