OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of serum apolipoprotein B levels for screening children with primary dyslipoproteinemia (those with elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]) and to know the types of dyslipoproteinemias we can identify. DESIGN: Criterion standard. SETTING: Referral center. PARTICIPANTS: We have studied 267 children. Of these, 31 had parents with dyslipoproteinemia, 38 had parents with ischemic heart disease, and 43 had hypercholesterolemia detected by routine analyses. One hundred fifty-five were considered healthy children and comprised the control group. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sensitivity was 87% for total serum cholesterol levels and 73% for serum apolipoprotein B levels. Of the children studied, 31 had elevated levels of serum LDL-C. The types of dyslipoproteinemia in children with both elevated levels of serum LDL-C and apolipoprotein B consisted of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, found in 12 (50%) of 24 patients; familial combined hyperlipidemia, found in 11 (46%) of 24 patients; and polygenic hypercholesterolemia, found in one (4%) of 24 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Serum apolipoprotein B level appears to be a good tool for screening children with elevated levels of LDL-C and is equivalent to using total serum cholesterol levels. In children with elevated serum LDL-C and apolipoprotein B levels, we can identify not only patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia but also those with familial combined hyperlipidemia or polygenic hypercholesterolemia.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of serum apolipoprotein B levels for screening children with primary dyslipoproteinemia (those with elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]) and to know the types of dyslipoproteinemias we can identify. DESIGN: Criterion standard. SETTING: Referral center. PARTICIPANTS: We have studied 267 children. Of these, 31 had parents with dyslipoproteinemia, 38 had parents with ischemic heart disease, and 43 had hypercholesterolemia detected by routine analyses. One hundred fifty-five were considered healthy children and comprised the control group. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sensitivity was 87% for total serum cholesterol levels and 73% for serum apolipoprotein B levels. Of the children studied, 31 had elevated levels of serum LDL-C. The types of dyslipoproteinemia in children with both elevated levels of serum LDL-C and apolipoprotein B consisted of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, found in 12 (50%) of 24 patients; familial combined hyperlipidemia, found in 11 (46%) of 24 patients; and polygenic hypercholesterolemia, found in one (4%) of 24 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Serum apolipoprotein B level appears to be a good tool for screening children with elevated levels of LDL-C and is equivalent to using total serum cholesterol levels. In children with elevated serum LDL-C and apolipoprotein B levels, we can identify not only patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia but also those with familial combined hyperlipidemia or polygenic hypercholesterolemia.
Authors: Figen Narin; Mehmet Emre Atabek; Musa Karakukcu; Nazmi Narin; Selim Kurtoglu; Hakan Gumus; Bekir Coksevim; Rusen Erez Journal: Ann Saudi Med Date: 2005 May-Jun Impact factor: 1.526