[Lipoprotein (a) in liver diseases. Correlation between low levels and liver function].

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the role of the liver function on the serum levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), a lipoprotein considered to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis. METHODS: To measure the Lp(a) levels in patients with liver disease (n = 68) due to various causes and in patients with no liver disease and of similar age and sex-ratio (n = 62) and to analyze the relationship between Lp(a) levels on one hand and liver function and lipid and apoprotein levels on the other hand. RESULTS: Patients with liver disease had significantly lower levels of Lp(a). Lp(a) levels were significantly lower in patients with more severe liver disease (Child Turcotte classification) and significantly correlated with liver function tests, in particular those related to the microsomal function and the synthetic capacity of the liver (albumin, coagulation tests, apoprotein A-II). In patients with liver disease, mean Lp(a) levels were not significantly different between those with and those without chronic alcohol intake. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with liver disease have low levels of Lp(a) that are related to reduced synthetic capacity of this organ and are not linked to a specific cause of liver disease, in particular excess alcohol intake.