Lipoprotein(a) in nephrological patients

In contrast to existing EAS/ESC guidelines on the management of lipid disorders, current recommendations from nephrological societies are very conservative and restrictive with respect to any escalation of lipid lowering/statin therapy. Furthermore, lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) – an established cardiovascular risk factor – has not even been mentioned. While a number of retrospective and prospective studies suggested that Lp(a) has relevant predictive value and might have – at least in stage-3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) – the same negative effects if draged along in non-CKD patients, there is no guidance on diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The persistent lack of recognition automatically leads to therapeutic nihilism, which might pose a number of relatively young patients to a significantly increased risk for adverse cardiovascular events. Further evaluation of Lp(a) in CKD is very important to provide appropriate treatment to patients with high Lp(a) levels, even in the presence of CKD.