Role of Increased Lipoprotein (a) in Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background Increased lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] has been associated with enhanced risk of cardiovascular events and more recently with venous thromboembolism. However, there is inconclusive data on the association between enhanced Lp(a) and retinal vein occlusion (RVO). We aimed to assess the role of Lp(a) in RVO. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies addressing the role of Lp(a) in RVO. A systematic literature search was performed to identify all published papers reporting Lp(a) levels. Main outcome measures consisted of Lp(a) levels in patients with (cases) or without (controls) RVO. Results We included 13 studies for a total of 1,040 cases and 16,648 controls. Lp(a) levels above normal limits were associated with RVO (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.7–3.34) and patients with RVO had higher Lp(a) levels than controls (weighted mean difference: 13.4 mg/dL, 95% CI 8.2–18.6). Conclusion Increased Lp(a) levels associate with RVO and should be included among diagnostic and prognostic indexes for this unusual-site vein thrombosis. Therapeutic interventions aimed to lower Lp(a) should be tested in RVO patients.