How much should Lp(a) be lowered to translate into meaningful CV benefit?

Although several lines of evidence suggest a causal link between lp(a) levels and CVD, trials on lowering Lp(a) have thusfar failed to show a CV outcome benefit. Brian Ference describes a more informative approach to look at Lp(a) data to identify who may benefit from Lp(a)-lowering therapy.

Educational information

Thusfar, clinical trials have not demonstrated a meaningful clinical benefit of lowering Lp(a). Dr. Ference thinks this may be the consequence of using log(lp(a)) levels. He used a different method that may better identify patients who may benefit most form Lp(a)-lowering therapy.

Faculty

Brian Ference, MD is currently Clinical Chief of the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Director of the Cardiovascular Genomic Research Center, and Chief of the Division of Translational Research and Clinical Epidemiology at Wayne State University. His current research utilizes the principles of Mendelian randomization to identify risk factors that have both a causal and a cumulative effect of the risk of disease in an attempt to identify targets for early intervention, and to model “naturally randomized trials” that attempt to frame and answer clinical questions when an actual clinical trial would be impractical or impossible to conduct.

Disclosures

This recording was independently developed under auspices of PACE-cme. The views expressed in this recording are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views of PACE-cme.

Read our summary of the study results described by prof. Ference