High levels of lipoprotein(a) - assessment and treatment. / Høyt nivå av lipoprotein(a) ­ utredning og behandling.

Approximately 5 % of the population have highly elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), which is a genetically determined risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Measuring lipoprotein(a) can improve cardiovascular risk stratification and have consequences for preventive measures. Treatment is targeted at reducing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, but Lp(a)-lowering drugs are being trialled. This article reviews the management of lipoprotein(a) in clinical practice.

Elevated serum MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: effects of LDL-apheresis.

OBJECTIVE: Matrix degradation within an atherosclerotic plaque is an important pathogenic factor in atherosclerosis, and is largely modulated by the balance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors (i.e., tissue inhibitor of MMPs [TIMPs]). Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a rare inherited disorder associated with premature coronary heart disease. The aim of the present study was to examine MMP-9 and TIMP-1 on plasma and cellular mRNA levels in homozygous FH patients (n=7) compared with age- and sex-matched heterozygous FH patients (n=6), and with healthy subjects (n=7), and to test whether once-weekly LDL-apheresis (three consecutive sessions) of homozygous FH patients show short-term effects on these variables. RESULTS: The main findings were that (i) Compared to healthy control subjects, homozygous FH patients have significantly higher serum levels of MMP-9 and lower levels of TIMP-1, and consequently significantly higher MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio, potentially reflecting higher MMP-9 activity. (ii) Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from FH homozygotes have significantly higher mRNA levels of MMP-9 compared to cells from heterozygotes. (iii) TNFα-stimulated PBMC from FH homozygotes released borderline-significantly more MMP-9 than cells from heterozygotes and healthy controls. (iv) LDL-apheresis (one day before treatment versus fifteen days later, on the day after the weekly treatment) had no significant short-term effect on any of the MMP-9 and TIMP-1 variables measured in serum and cells. CONCLUSIONS: The data may suggest that homozygous FH patients have an enhanced matrix degrading potential as compared with heterozygous FH patients and healthy controls, potentially contributing to the increased cardiovascular risk observed in these patients.

LDL-cholesterol goal achievement, cardiovascular disease, and attributed risk of Lp(a) in a large cohort of predominantly genetically verified familial hypercholesterolemia.

BACKGROUND: Current treatment goals for familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) recommended by the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) are LDL-C ≤2.5 mmol/L (∼100 mg/dL) or ≤1.8 mmol/L (∼70 mg/dL) in very high-risk subjects. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to investigate characteristics and treatment status in subjects with genetically verified FH followed at specialized lipid clinics in Norway. METHODS: Data from treatment registries of 714 adult (>18 years) subjects with FH. RESULTS: Fifty-seven percent were female. Mean age (SD) at last visit was 44 (16.3) years, and the subjects had been followed at a lipid clinic for 11.1 (7.9) years. Two hundred forty-five (34%) were classified as very-high-risk, and 44% of these had established coronary heart disease. Very-high-risk FH subjects more often received maximal statin dose (54% vs 33%, P < .001), ezetimibe (76% vs 48%, P < .001) or resins (23% vs 9%, P < .001), and achieved LDL-C was lower (3.2 vs 3.5 mmol/L [124 vs 135 mg/dL], P = .003) than normal-risk FH. LDL-C treatment goal was achieved in 25% and 8% of subjects with normal-risk and very-high-risk FH, respectively. Lp(a) levels were available in 599 subjects, and they were divided into 2 groups: ≥90 mg/dL (n = 96) and <90 mg/dL (n = 503). Despite similar lipid levels, body mass index, smoking status, presence of diabetes, and blood pressure, prevalence of coronary heart disease was doubled in the high- compared to low-Lp(a) group (30% vs 14%, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Very few FH subjects achieve their LDL-C treatment goal. New treatment modalities are needed. Independent of LDL-C and other risk factors, high Lp(a) seem to be an important additional risk factor in genetically verified FH.

[Severe hypertriglyceridemia--an important cause of pancreatitis]. / Alvorlig hypertriglyseridemi--en viktig årsak til pankreatitt.

BACKGROUND: Moderate hypertriglyceridaemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and serious hypertriglyceridaemia, with triglyceride values above 10 mmol/L, increases the risk of pancreatitis. Gallstones and alcohol abuse are regarded as the two most important causes of acute pancreatitis, but the considerable risk posed by hypertriglyceridaemia has probably been underrated. It is therefore crucial to acquire updated knowledge and awareness of the fact that high levels of triglycerides can cause pancreatitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article is based on current literature retrieved though a search on the topic and clinical experience. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION: Serious hypertriglyceridaemia is a relatively rare condition and its usual cause is genetic predisposition combined with obesity, diabetes or alcohol abuse. Certain types of medication, as well as pregnancy, are also well known causes. Current literature suggests that hypertriglyceridaemia is the cause of pancreatitis in 1-38% of the cases--a substantial variation. The condition is often accompanied by low amylase values and may therefore be underrated as a cause. Our case reports illustrate that the etiology is complex. Plasmapheresis or LDL-apheresis may be indicated when conservative treatment proves insufficient.

[Postoperative cardiovascular complications]. / Postoperative kardiovaskulaere komplikasjoner.

BACKGROUND: It has been estimated that up to 25% of non-cardiac surgical procedures carry a significant risk of perioperative cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A thorough preoperative evaluation with subsequent relevant diagnostic or therapeutic action can reduce the risk of postoperative complications in high-risk patients. The purpose of the present study was to compare clinical practice in a medium-sized Norwegian hospital with international recommendations regarding perioperative evaluation and care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a registration of all patients transferred to the coronary care unit after surgery--retrospectively for 2002, prospectively for 2003. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients with one or more postoperative complication were identified, out of which 28 had been through elective surgery. Forty-four of the patients suffered an acute myocardial infarction. At 30 days, 15 of the patients had died and a further 13 had sequelae. At 90 days, 22 patients were dead. The patients with complications were characterised by advanced age and high risk of cardiovascular disease. Out of the 55 patients, 8 were incorrectly scored for preoperative risk with American Society of Anaesthesiology's system for classification. For another 3, the score was missing. At discharge from the coronary care unit, only 1 out of 55 patients received a diagnosis of a postoperative complication. INTERPRETATION: The registration indicates that there is a potential for improving clinical practice in order to reduce the number of postoperative complications.

[Apheresis in severe hypercholesterolaemia]. / Aferesebehandling ved alvorlig hyperkolesterolemi.

BACKGROUND: Hypercholesterolaemia is usually successfully treated with statins but in some cases the medication has insufficient cholesterol-lowering effect or is not well tolerated. In these instances LDL apheresis is an option. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We share some of our own experience with this treatment and then review the literature regarding LDL apheresis. RESULTS: LDL apheresis seems a safe and effective way of lowering LDL cholesterol. Mortality and morbidity is reduced in selected patient groups. Quite probably, too few Norwegian patients are offered this treatment. INTERPRETATION: LDL apheresis should be available in all health regions of Norway and the treatment should be known to all those who treat severe hypercholesterolaemia or coronary artery disease.

Cholesterol efflux mediators in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia patients on low-density lipoprotein apheresis.

BACKGROUND: Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a rare disorder that may affect 1 person per million. Early initiation of aggressive cholesterol-lowering therapy is essential to prevent premature coronary heart disease. Selective removal of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by LDL apheresis is a reliable method of treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cholesterol efflux mediators of homozygous FH patients on weekly LDL apheresis were compared with those of age- and sex-matched heterozygous FH patients receiving oral medication only and with healthy control subjects. The data show that (1) compared with healthy controls, homozygous FH patients have significantly lower plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apoA-I and significantly lower cholesterol-acceptor capacity of serum to promote cholesterol efflux from cholesterol-loaded THP-1 cells, combined with significantly lower peripheral blood mononuclear cell gene expression levels of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter G1 and borderline-significantly lower levels of ABCA1 and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI); and (2) compared with pre-LDL apheresis (a day before treatment), postapheresis (15 days later; on the day after the weekly treatment) levels of HDL cholesterol and apoA-I were significantly reduced, with no significant effect on cholesterol-acceptor capacity of serum or on peripheral blood mononuclear cell gene expression levels of the cellular transporters, except for a borderline-significant reduction in ABCA1 mRNA levels. CONCLUSIONS: The data showing decreased levels of cholesterol efflux mediators in plasma and cells may suggest that the overall cholesterol efflux capacity is impaired in homozygous FH patients. However, LDL apheresis may maintain cholesterol efflux capacity, despite a lowering levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apoA-I.

Apheresis in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: the results of a follow-up of all Norwegian patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

BACKGROUND: Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), which affects 1 in a million individuals, leads to extremely elevated levels of cholesterol and early-onset cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess all 7 HoFH patients treated with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis in Norway with respect to quality of life, clinical and laboratory assessments, and cardiovascular status. METHODS: Apheresis treatment and assessment of cardiovascular status was performed at local hospitals but coordinated by the Lipid Clinic that has followed all patients since diagnosis. Quality of life was evaluated by a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: Results are shown as median (min-max). LDL cholesterol at diagnosis (untreated) was 704 (592-1268) mg/dL (18.2 [15.3-32.8] mmol/L). Medication was initiated at age 9 (2-35) years, and apheresis treatment at age 10 (6-44) years. Regular once-weekly apheresis combined with the maximum-tolerable doses of a statin and ezetimibe reduced LDL cholesterol to 197 (170-282) mg/dL (5.1 [4.5-7.3] mmol/L) pre-apheresis and 85 (50-108) mg/dL (2.2 [1.3-2.8] mmol/L) post-apheresis. Calculated interval mean LDL cholesterol was 162 (135-220) mg/dL (4.2 [3.5-5.7] mmol/L). Duration of apheresis treatment was 11 (1-24) years. Cardiovascular manifestations progressed in most patients despite the apheresis treatment. The subjects' quality of life was comparable with that of a healthy population, with the exception of two patients, who were significantly affected by coronary disease. CONCLUSIONS: Well-tolerated, once-weekly LDL apheresis achieves lower interval mean LDL cholesterol levels between apheresis treatments than previously reported for apheresis every second week. However, progressions of cardiovascular manifestations still occurred, which highlights the importance of earlier and even more aggressive treatment and follow-up in HoFH.