Age-specific lipid and lipoprotein thresholds for adolescents

Plasma lipid and lipoprotein values that are relatively stable in adulthood undergo continuous changes during the developmental years, with most of these changes reflecting natural fluctuations that occur with growth and maturation. Therefore, a clinical classification system appropriate for youth should not consist of uniform lipoprotein thresholds that can be used at all ages to define healthy and increased risk values. This is, however, the approach used in the National Cholesterol Education Program pediatric guidelines. A recent study created the first age-specific lipid and lipoprotein thresholds for adolescents based on a large representative sample of American adolescents aged 12 to 19 years. The adolescent thresholds were linked to the health-based thresholds used in adults using growth curve modeling. Although studies are needed to validate the newly defined adolescent lipid and lipoprotein thresholds, this classification system should provide a more accurate diagnosis of dyslipidemia and associated cardiovascular health risks in adolescents.