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Serum lipid profile in malnourished Nigerian children in Zaria

A Akuyam1, H S Isah, W N Ogala

  • 1Department of Chemical Pathology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.

The Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal
|October 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Serum lipid levels are significantly reduced in children with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). This study suggests serum lipid measurement is important for assessing childhood malnutrition.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Limited data exists on serum lipid profiles in children with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) in Zaria, Nigeria.
  • Previous studies on childhood malnutrition and lipids were primarily conducted in Southern Nigeria.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To measure serum lipid levels in children with PEM in Zaria.
  • To evaluate the potential utility of serum lipid measurements in assessing childhood malnutrition.

Main Methods:

  • Serum lipid profiles, including total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG), were analyzed in 115 children with PEM and 115 well-nourished controls (aged 6-36 months).
  • Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) were calculated using the Friedewald formula.
  • PEM was categorized into kwashiorkor, marasmic-kwashiorkor, marasmus, and underweight.

Main Results:

  • Children with PEM exhibited significantly lower serum TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels compared to controls.
  • The TC/HDL-C ratio was significantly higher in children with PEM.
  • Serum TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels were significantly higher in children with edematous PEM compared to non-edematous counterparts.

Conclusions:

  • Protein-energy malnutrition in children is associated with a significant reduction in serum lipid concentrations.
  • Serum lipid profile analysis may serve as a valuable tool for assessing the severity and status of childhood malnutrition.
Abstract

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