The two-day event, organized by the German Society for Combating Metabolic Disorders and their Consequences (DGFF, i.e. Lipid League), dealt with the basics and epidemiology of Lp(a), laboratory diagnostics and the resulting consequences for therapy, the clinical relevance of the independent cardiovascular risk factor Lp(a) as well as with therapeutic possibilities for lowering the Lp(a) plasma concentration.

A representative of the University of Graz (Austria) contributed by presenting a comparison of quantitative determination methods for lipoprotein (a). Commercially available assays (including DiaSys Lp(a) 21 FS) for the determination of Lp(a) were compared to provide orientation for clinical practice. This study confirms that the lack of a reference standard and a recommended reference method is the cause of sometimes considerable differences between available determination methods. The need for harmonization of commercially available assays was substantiated by corresponding data.

This comparative trial included the liquid stable DiaSys reagent Lp(a) 21 FS,  an isoform independent and well reproducible method. The DiaSys concept of double standardization for the test to determine lipoprotein (a) was positively emphasized by the representative of the University of Graz. In addition to the isoform independent measurement of Lp(a) in nmol/L, the DiaSys reagent enables the determination of the Lp(a) concentration (mg/dL) and thus allows the continuation of ongoing long-term studies.    

A supplement on the Lp(a) Update 2018 Kassel will be published in spring 2019 in the journal "Clinical Research in Cardiology Supplements".