Relation of red blood cell distribution width to risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, death, and effect of alirocumab after acute coronary syndromes.

Elevated red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is associated with increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and death in patients with cardiovascular disease. The ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trial compared alirocumab with placebo in 18,924 patients with recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and elevated atherogenic lipoproteins despite optimized statin treatment. This post hoc analysis determined whether RDW independently predicts risk of MACE and death in patients after recent ACS, whether RDW influences MACE reduction with alirocumab, and whether alirocumab treatment affects RDW.

Effect of Lipoprotein Apheresis on Progression of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients with Severe Hypercholesterolemia.

The extent of intervention effects on carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) can predict the degree of atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk-reduction. We hypothesized that regular lipoprotein apheresis over the course of 10 years might slow down progression of CIMT in patients with severe hypercholesterolemia. This case series describes 10 Caucasian patients (mean age 60 ± 9 years, 70% female, 80% statin intolerant) with a severe hypercholesterolemia phenotype treated with lipoprotein apheresis between 2005 and 2020 (mean duration, 10 ± 4 years).

Lipoprotein(a) and Its Potential Association with Thrombosis and Inflammation in COVID-19: a Testable Hypothesis.

Purpose Of Review: The COVID-19 pandemic has infected over > 11 million as of today people worldwide and is associated with significant cardiovascular manifestations, particularly in subjects with preexisting comorbidities and cardiovascular risk factors. Recently, a predisposition for arterial and venous thromboses has been reported in COVID-19 infection. We hypothesize that besides conventional risk factors, subjects with elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) may have a particularly high risk of developing cardiovascular complications.

Lipoprotein apheresis for lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular disease.

Background: Elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the United States, lipoprotein apheresis (LA) therapy is approved for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. Germany uses LA therapy for patients with an Lp(a) > 60 mg/dL, normal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, and CVD.