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Printer Friendly Version Genetic Testing for Lipoprotein(a) Variant(s) as a Decision Aid for Aspirin Treatment
DESCRIPTIONLipoprotein(a) (LPA) is a lipid-rich particle similar to low-density lipoprotein (LDL). A large amount of epidemiologic evidence has determined that LPA blood level is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The overall degree of risk associated with LPA levels appears to be modest, and the degree of risk may be mediated by other factors such as LDL levels and/or hormonal status.Levels of LPA are relatively stable in individuals over time, but vary up to 1000-fold between individuals, presumably on a genetic basis. A single nucleotide polymorphism (LPA rs3798220) has been identified in the LPA gene that has been associated with both elevated levels of Lipoprotein (a) and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Mendelian randomization studies have supported the hypothesis that these genetic variants, and the subsequent increase in LPA levels, are causative of cardiovascular disease. Aspirin (ASA) is a well-established treatment for patients with known CAD. It is also prescribed as primary prevention for some patients who are at increased risk of CAD. Current recommendations for primary prevention consider the future risk of cardiovascular events weighed against the bleeding risk of ASA. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force guidelines from 2009 recommend ASA for men between the ages of 45-79 when the benefit in reducing myocardial infarction (MI) exceeds the risk of bleeding, particularly gastrointestinal hemorrhage; and for women between the ages of 55-79 years when the benefit in reducing stroke exceeds the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Given guidelines such as these that recommend individualizing the risk/benefit ratio of ASA therapy, additional tools that would aid in better defining the benefits of aspirin, and/or the risk of bleeding, have potential utility for clinicians who are making decisions on aspirin therapy. LPA-Aspirin Check® is a commercially available genetic test (Berkeley HeartLab) that detects the presence of the rs3798220 allele. Patients with a positive test for rs3798220 have a higher risk for thrombosis, and therefore may derive more benefit from the anti-thrombotic properties of ASA. It has been proposed that the additional information obtained from the LAP-Aspirin Check test may aid physicians in better estimating the benefit/risk of ASA therapy, and therefore may aid in deciding whether to prescribe ASA for individual patients. A related medical policy is Measurement of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) in the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk.
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POLICYThe use of genetic testing for the rs3798220 allele (LPA-Aspirin Check®) is considered investigational in patients who are being considered for treatment with aspirin to reduce risk of cardiovascular events.
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POLICY EXCEPTIONSNone
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POLICY GUIDELINESInvestigative service is defined as the use of any treatment procedure, facility, equipment, drug, device, or supply not yet recognized by certifying boards and/or approving or licensing agencies or published peer review criteria as standard, effective medical practice for the treatment of the condition being treated and as such therefore is not considered medically necessary.The coverage guidelines outlined in the Medical Policy Manual should not be used in lieu of the Member's specific benefit plan language.
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POLICY HISTORY07/21/2011: Approved by Medical Policy Advisory Committee.07/13/2012: Policy reviewed; no changes.
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SOURCE(S)Blue Cross Blue Shield Association policy # 2.04.70
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CODE REFERENCENon-Covered CodesThis is not an all-inclusive list of non-covered procedure codes. All codes billed for this procedure are considered investigational and not eligible for coverage.
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