OBJECTIVES : To identify and summarize real-world data (RWD) sources containing data on lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] to create a comprehensive understanding of the breadth and depth of existing data around the cardiovascular risk factor Lp(a).

METHODS : A literature review was conducted to identify publications with RWD pertaining to Lp(a) in MEDLINE and EMBASE and grey literature published from inception till November 2017. A list of unique data sources was generated and metadata was extracted to describe time and type of data collection, study design, population size, clinical characteristics, treatment, follow-up duration and outcomes, represented by 67 variables.

RESULTS : Of the 2,430 retrieved publications, 202 unique data sources were identified. Half of them were from Europe (50%) followed by Asia (23%), Americas (20%), Oceania (2%), and Africa (1%); 3% were multi-regional. Most widely recorded parameters were age (97%) and sex (95%), lipid profile parameters such as HDL (91%), LDL (90%) and total cholesterol (89%). Some of the least reported parameters included drug codes (0.5%), comorbid conditions such as peripheral artery disease (0%), transient ischemic attack (0%), and coronary artery disease (0.5%). Ninety-six percent of the data sources reported less than half of the variables assessed. Ethnicity was reported in 35% of the data sources. Possibility to access these data sources was actively reported in 22% of the data sources and linking of the data sources was stated as possible with 17% of the data sources. Among the datasets that reported the creation/finalization date, 93% included data captured prior to 2010.

CONCLUSIONS : This review highlights the existence of data sources containing information on Lp(a) in certain geographies, while demonstrating geographical and data gaps for many variables, providing both a base for assessment of possibilities of partnerships with existing data sources as well as the need to continue efforts to further generate data to increase the understanding around Lp(a).