PLAC Test May Assess Stroke Risk

A test that measures lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) in the blood to assess the risk of coronary disease may also be useful for assessing stroke risk.

Called PLAC, the test is the product of diaDexus, Inc. (So. San Francisco, CA, USA), which is now seeking marketing clearance for the test as an in vitro diagnostic product to help predict the risk of stroke. Large population studies have demonstrated that elevated Lp-PLA2 is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. An analysis by special investigators from the ongoing Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARC) study found that people with the highest levels of Lp-PLA2 had a statistically significant doubling of the risk of ischemic stroke, compared to people with the lowest levels of the enzyme. The association was independent of traditional risk factors for stroke.

"Currently, there are no U.S. guidelines pertaining specifically to the primary prevention of stroke,” observed Patrick Plewman, CEO of diaDexus. "There is a clear need for more specific tests to accurately identify those at risk of stroke so that preventative measures, such as lifestyle modification or therapeutic intervention, can be taken. We believe the PLAC test is an important tool that will help identify patients at risk for stroke.”






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