SERUM LIPOPROTEIN (a) LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE NOT RECEIVING DIALYSIS

Lipid abnormalities contribute to the increase in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in chronic renal failure (CFR) patients with or without dialysis. Lipoprotein (a) and, a unique lipoprotein has been shown to be an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease in general population. This study was planned to assess the serum levels of Lp(a) in predialytic CFR patients. In this study, lipid andLp(a) levels were measured in 27predialytic CFR patients consisting of 14 males, 13 females and in age-and sex-matched thirty one controls. In CFR patients, HDL chol esterol level were lower and apo B were higher as compared to the control group. Moreover, Lp(a) was found to be prominently higher in CFR patients than in controls. There was a significant positive correlation between Lp(a) levels and the amount of proteinuria. Our data suggest that increased Lp(a) level along with low level of HDL cholesterol and high level of Apo B may pose a significant risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in CFR patients.