Serum lipoprotein (A)‎ in relation to the degree of urinary albumin excretion in nephrotic syndrome and chronic renal failure

Abstract EN

Prior studies have reported high Lp(a) levels in nephrotic syndrome and renal failure, but it is still controversial whether this is due to the degree of hypoalbuminemia or albuminuria.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the serum lipoproteins especially Lp (a) in the end stage renal disease on hemodialysis and nephrotic syndrome and to determine the relation between serum Lp (a) and other lipoproteins on one side and serum albumin level, 24 hours albumin excretion and creatinine clearance as indicators of the progression of renal disease on the other side.

This study included 40 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) on hemodialysis and 20 patients with nephrotic syndrome, the results were compared with those of 22 apparently healthy age matched controls.

The results showed that the levels of serum Lp (a), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c) and urinary 24 h.

albumin were significantly higher in CRF patients when compared with controls, while the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), serum protein, albumin and creatinine clearance were significantly decreased in CRF patients, also, in the same patient group, serum Lp (a) was found to be positively correlated with triglycerides, VLDL-c and urinary 24 h.

albumin while negatively correlated with serum protein and albumin.

The results of this study, also proved that serum Lp (a), total cholesterol, LDL-c, VLDL-c and urinary 24 h.

albumin levels were significantly increased, while HDL-c, serum protein, albumin and creatinine clearance were significantly decreased in nephrotic syndrome patients when compared with controls, in the same patient group, it was also found that serum Lp (a) was positively correlated with total cholesterol, VLDL-c and urinary 24 h.

albumin, while negatively correlated with serum protein, albumin and creatinine clearance.

From these results it was concluded that serum Lp (a) is increased in CRF and nephrotic syndrome patients which is considered a major risk factor for cerebro- and cardiovascular atherothrombosis in these patients, also there is a relation between serum Lp (a) and hypoalbuminemia and the degree of increased urinary albumin excretion which are frequently a sign of kidney disease and associated with progression of these diseases.