Medicina clinica
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Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet it is often overlooked in routine clinical assessments. As a primarily genetically determined risk factor, the traditional recommendation is to assess its level once in a lifetime, as the variability of Lp(a) over time is considered to be minimal. This study aims to evaluate the potential variability of Lp(a) in clinically stable patients and investigate factors contributing to the lack of stable levels. ⋯ Our study suggests reconsidering the reliance on a single Lp(a) measurement for assessing cardiovascular risk. Repeat measurements, particularly in borderline cases, may be beneficial.
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An ideal test to evaluate the inflammatory burden in ulcerative colitis is still an unmet need. Fecal calprotectin (FCP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have significant limitations. Plasma calprotectin (PC) seems to be promising in inflammatory diseases, but its value in IBD is still to be determined. Our aim was to assess whether PC correlates with inflammatory activity in UC. ⋯ PC has low value in distinguishing patients in remission from patients with endoscopic or histologic activity in UC. This essential role must continue be played by FCP.