The Effects of Extended Release Niacin in Combination with Omega 3 Fatty Acid Supplements in the Treatment of Elevated Lipoprotein (a)‎

Abstract EN

Objective.

To assess the effectiveness of niacin/fish oil combination therapy in reducing Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels after twelve weeks of therapy.

Background.

Lipoprotein (a) accumulates in atherosclerotic lesions and promotes smooth muscle cell growth and is both atherogenic and thrombogenic.

A clinical trials of combination therapy for the reduction of Lp(a) has not been previously reported.

Methods.

The study was an observational study following subjects with an elevated Lp(a) (>70 nmol/L) to assess impact of 12 weeks of combination Omega 3FA, niacin, and the Mediterranean diet on Lp(a).

Results.

Twenty three patients were enrolled with 7 patients lost to follow up and 2 patients stopped due to adverse events.

The average Lp(a) reduction in the remaining 14 subjects after 12 weeks of combination therapy was 23% ± 17% [P=.003] with a significant association of the reduction of Lp(a) with increasing baseline levels of Lp(a) [R2=0.633, P=.001].

Conclusions.

There was a significant reduction in Lp(a) levels with combination therapy.

A more pronounced effect was noted in patients with higher baseline levels of Lp(a).