Lipoprotein(a) concentration shows little relationship to IDDM complications in the Pittsburgh Epidemiology of Diabetes Complications Study cohort.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the potential associations of lipoprotein(a) and the complications of IDDM and their risk factors.


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 HbA1 (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 < or = 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.
Maser
R E
RE
School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark 19716.
Usher
D
D
Becker
D J
DJ
Drash
A L
AL
Kuller
L H
LH
Orchard
T J
TJ
D000328:Adult; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000097:blood* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003928:Diabetic Nephropathies / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D017270:Lipoprotein(a) / Q000097:blood*; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology; D010414:Pennsylvania; D011446:Prospective Studies
D015415:Biomarkers; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D017270:Lipoprotein(a)