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Lp(a) in Childhood

  • Pediatrics (S. Gidding, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Elevated plasma concentration of lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) is an independent risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic coronary vascular disease. There is a causal relationship between Lp(a) elevation and myocardial infarction. In the pediatric population, Lp(a) has been associated with risk for ischemic stroke. However, a consensus regarding the clinical utility of Lp(a) measurement in children has not been established. In this article, we review recent literature regarding Lp(a) metabolism, its role in disease states such as in pediatric thrombosis and familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), and therapy directed at Lp(a) levels. Our findings show that Lp(a) remains a controversial but emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease, especially in children. However, new and important research continues to contribute to our understanding of Lp(a) metabolism in children and to cardiovascular risk in diseases such as FH. What is clear is that Lp(a) has the potential to play a role in the management of cardiovascular risk in children and adults.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health grants NIGMS NIH (T32 GM007569), HL116263, HL127173, HL105375.

None of the authors of this paper have a financial interest related to these studies.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Pediatrics, Atherosclerosis Research Unit, Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232-6300, USA

    Christopher J. Prendergast & Jennifer C. Kelley

  2. Perelman School of Medicine, Jordan Medical Education Center, University of Pennsylvania, 6th floor, 3400 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6055, USA

    Edward F. Linton

  3. Department of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2220 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN, 37232-6300, USA

    MacRae F. Linton

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  1. Christopher J. Prendergast
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  2. Jennifer C. Kelley
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  4. MacRae F. Linton
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Correspondence to MacRae F. Linton.

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Drs. Prendergast, Kelley and Lintons have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Pediatrics

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Prendergast, C.J., Kelley, J.C., Linton, E.F. et al. Lp(a) in Childhood. Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep 11, 26 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-017-0553-6

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