Lipoprotein(a): Levels and Reference Intervals Among People in Saudi Arabia

Overview

Journal Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes

Publisher Dove Medical Press

Specialty Endocrinology

Date 2024 Aug 8

PMID 39114527

Authors

Motasim Jawi

Hadiah Bassam Al Mahdi

Hussam Daghistani

Yousef Almoghrabi

Rami Algahtani

Dalal Tawati

Mohammed R Algethami

Yasser Noorelahi

Zuhier Awan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: Blood Lp(a) concentration is recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Population-based lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) research in Saudi Arabia is rare. Thus, the primary goal of this pilot study was to identify age- and sex-specific reference ranges for Lp(a) levels, in addition to the associations between Lp(a) levels and other atherosclerotic markers in Saudi individuals.

Patients And Methods: A five-year retrospective study of Lp(a) and lipid markers in Saudi patients was conducted using the Al-Borg diagnostics database (2015-2020). The population sample consisted of 361 Saudi individuals aged 18-93 years (162 males, 199 females). An immunoturbidimetric technique was used to determine Lp(a) concentration.

Results: The mean and median Lp(a) levels in the study population were 35 nmol/L and 50 nmol/L, respectively. Sex and age did not influence Lp(a) values. Lp(a) values showed a minor correlation with other atherosclerotic markers when the Pearson correlation coefficient was used. In Saudi Arabia, the distribution of Lp(a) concentrations is skewed to the left, favoring lower values.

Conclusion: Lp(a) levels in individuals residing in Saudi Arabia were comparable to those observed in other ethnic groups. Additionally, standardizing Lp(a) measurements according to sex and age may enhance broader applicability and facilitate comparisons across different populations. However, larger studies are required to provide more comprehensive data for comparison.

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