Latest Review Date: January 2024

Category:  Laboratory

POLICY:

Measurement of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is considered investigational.

DESCRIPTION OF PROCEDURE OR SERVICE:

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), also known as platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase, is an enzyme that hydrolyzes phospholipids and is primarily associated with low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). Accumulating evidence has suggested that Lp-PLA2 is a biomarker of coronary artery disease and may have a proinflammatory role in the progression of atherosclerosis.

Low-Density Lipoproteins

Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) have been identified as major atherogenic lipoproteins and have long been identified by the National Cholesterol Education Project as the primary target of cholesterol-lowering therapy. LDL particles consist of a surface coat composed of phospholipids, free cholesterol, and apolipoproteins surrounding an inner lipid core composed of cholesterol ester and triglycerides. Traditional lipid risk factors such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, while predictive on a population basis, are weaker markers of risk on an individual basis. Only a minority of subjects with elevated LDL and cholesterol levels will develop clinical disease, and up to 50% of cases of coronary artery disease (CAD) occur in subjects with “normal” levels of total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Treatment

Although treatment for elevated coronary disease risk with statins targets cholesterol levels, selection for treatment involves estimation of future CAD risk using well validated prediction models that use additional variables.

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), also known as platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase, is an enzyme that hydrolyzes phospholipids and is primarily associated with LDLs. Accumulating evidence has suggested that Lp-PLA2 is a biomarker of CAD and may have a proinflammatory role in the progression of atherosclerosis. The recognition that atherosclerosis represents, in part, an inflammatory process has created considerable interest in measurement of proinflammatory factors as part of cardiovascular disease risk assessment.

Interest in Lp-PLA2 as a possibly causal risk factor for CAD has generated development and testing of Lp-PLA2 inhibitors as a new class of drugs to reduce risk of CAD. However, clinical trials of Lp-PLA2 inhibitors have not shown significant reductions in CAD end points. Furthermore, assessment of Lp-PLA2 levels has not been used in the selection or management of subjects in the clinical trials.

KEY POINTS:

The most recent literature review was updated through November 17, 2023.

Summary of Evidence

For individuals who have a risk of CVD who receive Lp-PLA2 testing, the evidence includes studies of the association between Lp-PLA2 and various CAD outcomes. Relevant outcomes are overall survival, disease-specific survival, and test validity. The studies have demonstrated that Lp-PLA2 levels are an independent predictor of CVD. Although Lp-PLA2 levels are associated with CVD risk, changes in patient management that would occur as a result of obtaining Lp-PLA2 levels in practice are not well-defined. To demonstrate clinical utility, clinicians must have the tools to incorporate Lp-PLA2 test results into existing risk prediction models that improve classification into risk categories, alter treatment decisions, and lead to improved health outcomes. Direct evidence for such improved health outcomes with Lp-PLA2 testing in clinical practice is lacking. The evidence is insufficient to determine that the technology results in an improvement in the net health outcomes.

Practice Guidelines and Position Statements

American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association

In 2019, The American College of Cardiology Foundation and American Heart Association published joint guidelines on the assessment of cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic patients in. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) testing was not mentioned in these guidelines, which was a change from 2010 guidelines.  In their prior guideline, Lp-PLA2 was given a IIb recommendation for assessing cardiovascular risk in intermediate-risk asymptomatic adults.

American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology

In 2012, The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American College of Endocrinology published guidelines for the management of dyslipidemia and prevention of atherosclerosis. These guidelines made the following recommendations for Lp-PLA2 testing (see Table 1 below)

Table 1. Guidelines on Dyslipidemia and Atherosclerosis

CRP: C-reactive protein; CVD: cardiovascular disease; GOE: grade of evidence; hsCRP: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; LOE: level of evidence; Lp-PLA2: lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2.

In 2017, an update to guidelines published jointly by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American College of Endocrinology recommended the measurement of Lp-PLA2 as an additional indication of cardiovascular risk. Citing several studies in which Lp-PLA2 was comparable with high-sensitivity CRP as a risk predictor, the guidelines accordingly recommended the use of Lp-PLA2 data in situations requiring a more specific evaluation of the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease that is provided by high-sensitivity CRP.

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations

No U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations on the use of Lp-PLA2 in the assessment of cardiovascular risk have been identified.

KEY WORDS:

Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, Lp-PLA2, PLAC test, coronary risk assessment, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, hs-CRP, low density cholesterol, LDL

APPROVED BY GOVERNING BODIES:

In December 2014, the PLAC® Test (diaDexus), a quantitative enzyme assay, was cleared for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the 510(k) process for Lp-PLA2 activity. It was considered substantially equivalent to a previous version of the PLAC® Test (diaDexus), which was cleared for marketing by the FDA in July 2003. FDA product code: NOE.

BENEFIT APPLICATION:

Coverage is subject to member’s specific benefits. Group-specific policy will supersede this policy when applicable.

ITS: Home Policy provisions apply.

FEP contracts: Special benefit consideration may apply. Refer to member’s benefit plan.

CURRENT CODING:

CPT Codes:

PREVIOUS CODING:

CPT Codes:

REFERENCES:

1. Arnett DK, Blumenthal RS, Albert MA, et al. 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. Sep 10 2019; 140(11): e596-e646. 
2. Di Angelantonio E, Gao P, Pennells L, et al. Lipid-related markers and cardiovascular disease prediction. JAMA. Jun 20 2012; 307(23): 2499-506. 
3. Garza CA, Montori VM, McConnell JP, et al. Association between lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review. Mayo Clin Proc. Feb 2007; 82(2): 159-65.
4. Greenland P, Alpert JS, Beller GA, et al. 2010 ACCF/AHA guideline for assessment of cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. J Am Coll Cardiol. Dec 14 2010; 56(25): e50-103. 
5. IOM (Institute of Medicine). 2011. Clinical Practice Guidelines We Can Trust. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
6. Jellinger PS, Handelsman Y, Rosenblit PD, et al. AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS AND AMERICAN COLLEGE OF ENDOCRINOLOGY GUIDELINES FOR MANAGEMENT OF DYSLIPIDEMIA AND PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE. Endocr Pract. Apr 2017; 23(Suppl 2): 1-87. 
7. Jellinger PS, Smith DA, Mehta AE, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists' Guidelines for Management of Dyslipidemia and Prevention of Atherosclerosis. Endocr Pract. Mar-Apr 2012; 18 Suppl 1: 1-78. 
8. National Institutes of Health, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) (NIH Publication No. 01-3670). 2001; www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/atp3xsum.pdf.
9. Nicholls SJ, Kastelein JJ, Schwartz GG, et al. Varespladib and cardiovascular events in patients with an acute coronary syndrome: the VISTA-16 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. Jan 15 2014; 311(3): 252-62. 
10. O'Donoghue ML, Braunwald E, White HD, et al. Effect of darapladib on major coronary events after an acute coronary syndrome: the SOLID-TIMI 52 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. Sep 10 2014; 312(10): 1006-15. 
11. Piepoli MF, Hoes AW, Agewall S, et al. 2016 European Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice: The Sixth Joint Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology and Other Societies on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Clinical Practice (constituted by representatives of 10 societies and by invited experts)Developed with the special contribution of the European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention Rehabilitation (EACPR). Eur Heart J. Aug 01 2016; 37(29): 2315-2381. 
12. Thompson A, Gao P, Orfei L, et al. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) and risk of coronary disease, stroke, and mortality: collaborative analysis of 32 prospective studies. Lancet. May 01 2010; 375(9725): 1536-44.  
13. White HD, Held C, Stewart R, et al. Darapladib for preventing ischemic events in stable coronary heart disease. N Engl J Med. May 01 2014; 370(18): 1702-11. 

POLICY HISTORY:

Medical Policy Group, April 2004

Medical Policy Administration Committee, April 2004

Available for comment May 17-June 30, 2004

Medical Policy Group, April 2006 (1)

Medical Policy Group, August 2006 (1)

Medical Policy Group, June 2007 (3)

Medical Policy Group, June 2009 (1)

Medical Policy Group, June 2010 (1): Description updated, Key Points updated, References added, no coverage change

Medical Policy Group, June 2011 (1): Update to Key Points and References

Medical Policy Group, June 2012 (1): 2012 Update to Title, Key Points and References related to MPP update; no change in policy statement

Medical Policy Panel, June 2013

Medical Policy Group, September 2013 (1): Update to Key Points and References; no change to policy statement

Medical Policy Panel, June 2014

Medical Policy Group, June 2014 (1): Update to Key Points and References; no change to policy statement

Medical Policy Panel, June 2015

Medical Policy Group, June 2015 (3): 2015 Update to Key Points & References; no change in policy statement

Medical Policy Panel, December 2015

Medical Policy Group, January 2016 (3): Updates to Description, Key Points & References; no change in policy statement

Medical Policy Panel, December 2016

Medical Policy Group, December 2016 (3): 2016 Updates to Title, Key Points, Approved by Governing Bodies & References; removed Previous Coding section (for DOS prior to 01/01/07); no change in policy statement.

Medical Policy Panel, December 2017

Medical Policy Group, January 2018 (3): 2017 Updates to Description, Key Points & References; no change in policy statement.

Medical Policy Panel, December 2018

Medical Policy Group, January 2019 (9): 2018 Updates to Description and Key Points; no change to policy statement. Added new PLA code 0052U (effective 7/1/18), added CPT code 0423T.

Medical Policy Panel, December 2019

Medical Policy Group, December 2019 (9): 2019 Updates to Description, Key Points. No change to policy statement.

Medical Policy Panel, December 2020

Medical Policy Group, December 2020 (9): 2020 Updates to Description, Key Points, References. No change to policy statement.

Medical Policy Group, November 2021 (9): Policy statement updated to remove “not medically necessary,” no change to policy intent. Update to References. 2022 Annual Coding Update. Moved CPT code 0423T from coding section. Created Previous Coding section to include code.

Medical Policy Panel, December 2021

Medical Policy Group, December 2021 (9): 2021 Updates to Key Points, References. No change to policy statement.

Medical Policy Panel, December 2022

Medical Policy Group, December 2022 (9): 2022 Updates to Key Points, Description, References. No change to policy statement.

Medical Policy Panel, December 2023

Medical Policy Group, January 2024 (5): Updates to Description, Key Points, and Benefit Application. No change to Policy Statement.

Medical Policy Panel, January 2024

Medical Policy Group, January 2024 (5): Minor updates to Key Points and Benefit Application. No change to Policy Statement.

This medical policy is not an authorization, certification, explanation of benefits, or a contract. Eligibility and benefits are determined on a case-by-case basis according to the terms of the member’s plan in effect as of the date services are rendered. All medical policies are based on (i) research of current medical literature and (ii) review of common medical practices in the treatment and diagnosis of disease as of the date hereof. Physicians and other providers are solely responsible for all aspects of medical care and treatment, including the type, quality, and levels of care and treatment.

This policy is intended to be used for adjudication of claims (including pre-admission certification, pre-determinations, and pre-procedure review) in Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s administration of plan contracts.

The plan does not approve or deny procedures, services, testing, or equipment for our members. Our decisions concern coverage only. The decision of whether or not to have a certain test, treatment or procedure is one made between the physician and his/her patient. The plan administers benefits based on the member’s contract and corporate medical policies. Physicians should always exercise their best medical judgment in providing the care they feel is most appropriate for their patients. Needed care should not be delayed or refused because of a coverage determination.

As a general rule, benefits are payable under health plans only in cases of medical necessity and only if services or supplies are not investigational, provided the customer group contracts have such coverage.

The following Association Technology Evaluation Criteria must be met for a service/supply to be considered for coverage:

1. The technology must have final approval from the appropriate government regulatory bodies;

2. The scientific evidence must permit conclusions concerning the effect of the technology on health outcomes;

3. The technology must improve the net health outcome;

4. The technology must be as beneficial as any established alternatives;

5. The improvement must be attainable outside the investigational setting.

Medical Necessity means that health care services (e.g., procedures, treatments, supplies, devices, equipment, facilities or drugs) that a physician, exercising prudent clinical judgment, would provide to a patient for the purpose of preventing, evaluating, diagnosing or treating an illness, injury or disease or its symptoms, and that are:

1. In accordance with generally accepted standards of medical practice; and

2. Clinically appropriate in terms of type, frequency, extent, site and duration and considered effective for the patient’s illness, injury or disease; and

3. Not primarily for the convenience of the patient, physician or other health care provider; and

4. Not more costly than an alternative service or sequence of services at least as likely to produce equivalent therapeutic or diagnostic results as to the diagnosis or treatment of that patient’s illness, injury or disease.