Comparison of serum lipoprotein (a) values in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and healthy persons

Abstract Background: One of the complications in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the early cardiovascular events. In recent years, lipoprotein (a) [LP (a)] is considered to be an important risk factor for cardiovascular disorders. Objective: To compare the serum LP (a) levels in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the healthy persons. Methods: This was case-control study conducted at Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad (Iran) in a period between the years 2003-2005. Both groups were matched for age and sex. SLE was diagnosed based on ACR criteria and also the SLEDAI standards for activity score. The LP (a) values and also other blood lipids of 30 patients with recently diagnosed SLE were compared with 30 healthy persons. The data were analyzed using SPSS. Findings: The most obvious clinical finding in patients was skin lesions (96%) and a positive ANA test as the most prominent laboratory result. The mean LP (a) in patients and the healthy persons was 32.64 and 21.64 mg/dl, respectively (p<0.015). Conclusion: Patients with SLE showed increased levels of LP (a) and other blood lipids compared with those in healthy persons. It seems that the patients with SLE are at higher risk for atherosclerosis and coronary diseases.