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[Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and apoprotein B in umbilical cord blood: cross-sectional study]
M R Averna1, C M Barbagallo, G Di Paola
1Cattedra di Patologia Medica, Università degli Studi di Palermo.
Insights
This study screened 1275 newborns for hypercholesterolemia using cord blood. A small percentage showed elevated cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol and apo B, suggesting potential familial hypercholesterolemia.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal screening
- Cardiovascular health
- Biochemistry
Context:
- Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder.
- Early detection in newborns is crucial for timely intervention.
- Cord blood analysis offers a unique window for neonatal screening.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in term newborns.
- To evaluate specific lipid parameters (cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apo B) in cord blood.
- To assess the utility of these parameters for neonatal FH screening.
Summary:
- A cross-sectional study analyzed cord blood from 1275 term newborns.
- Elevated cholesterol levels (> mean + 2 SD) were found in 3.13% of infants.
- A smaller proportion (0.47%) had all three parameters elevated, while 0.31% had high LDL-cholesterol and apo B despite normal cholesterol.
Impact:
- Identifies a subset of newborns potentially at risk for familial hypercholesterolemia.
- Highlights the importance of comprehensive lipid profiling beyond total cholesterol.
- Suggests the need for follow-up studies to confirm the diagnostic value of these neonatal screening parameters.
Abstract:
The aim of the present study was to evaluate, in a large series of term newborns, the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in cord blood, using as parameters, levels of plasma cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and apo B higher than mean + 2 standard deviations, alone or in association. Data reported here represent the results of a transversal study. 1275 term newborns were studied. In everybody, in cord blood samples, at birth, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, apoprotein B and LDL-cholesterol have been assayed. In 3.13% of them (40 subjects), cholesterol levels > mean + 2 standard deviations were present. Moreover, only 6 subjects (0.47%) showed all three parameter levels higher than mean + 2 standard deviations, and 4 subjects (0.31%), in spite of normal cholesterol levels, presented high LDL-cholesterol and apo B levels. Integrated utilization of these parameters in the neonatal screening of familial hypercholesterolemia will have to be confirmed by follow-up studies.