Lipoprotein(a) Concentration Shows Little Relationship to IDDM Complications in the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study Cohort
- Raelene E Maser, PHD,
- David Usher, PHD,
- Dorothy J Becker, MBBCH,
- Allan L Drash, MD,
- Lewis H Kuller, MD and
- Trevor J Orchard, MBBCH
- School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Delaware Newark, Delaware; the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh; and the Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Address correspondence and reprint requests to Raelene E. Maser, PHD, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Delaware, DE 19716
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the potential associations of lipoprotein(a) and the complications of IDDM and their risk factors.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This report focuses on 186 individuals with IDDM (mean age = 34 yr) participating in a 10-yr prospective study examining various complications. Lp(a) concentrations were evaluated for those with and without complications.
RESULTS A weak correlation was seen between Lp(a) and HbAj (r = 0.16, P < 0.05). Lp(a) concentrations were not significantly different for those with or without proliferative retinopathy, overt nephropathy, peripheral vascular disease, or definite myocardial infarction or angina. However, an inverse association (P < 0.05) was seen with distal symmetric polyneuropathy. These results were also confirmed by categorical analyses (i.e., Lp(a) levels <30 vs. >30 mg/dl).
CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that any association of Lp(a) concentration with IDDM complications is likely to be weak or nonexistent. However, prospective studies are needed before its full role can be determined.
- Received November 16, 1992.
- Revision received January 13, 1993.
- Accepted January 13, 1993.
- Copyright © 1993 by the American Diabetes Association
