Lipid screening in paediatrics for early detection of cardiovascular risks

The purpose of the study was to try to detect at an early stage the important cardiovascular risk factors associated with increased concentrations of blood lipids, notably cholesterol. The trial was based on the screening of 102 families, including 219 children, 8-18 years of age and their parents. A group of young adults, 19-25 years of age, was included in the study. All subjects were derived from a paediatric practice. In addition to total cholesterol, VLDL-, LDL-, HDL-cholesterol and apolipoproteins A-I and B were also measured. The study identified a significant number of school-children and adolescents with hyperlipidaemia, predominantly hypercholesterolaemias type II-A. There was a close relationship between their blood lipids and those of their parents. The study demonstrates the importance of including parents in studies of this kind. Total cholesterol proved to be a reliable parameter for screening. The value of apolipoproteins in such screening is discussed.