Distributions of serum lipoproteins in children by repeated measurements

Serum lipids and lipoproteins were measured three times over 6 years in a total-community study of children in Bogalusa, Louisiana. Interrelationships and changes in the distributions of serum lipoprotein cholesterol levels were examined in terms of variability and precision of the laboratory measurements. Although distributions of serum lipoprotein cholesterol variables shifted among the three surveys, precision increased markedly as indicated by a decrease in the coefficient of variation for measurement error for total cholesterol, alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides between Year 1 and Year 4 and then stabilized. Pre-beta-lipoprotein cholesterol was the most difficult variable to measure. The range and magnitude of correlation coefficients between lipid and lipoprotein variables were very similar. Despite quality controls, efforts to standardize laboratory analyses, and adherence to protocols, fluctuations in distributions of lipids and lipoproteins occurred when the same population was restudied. Long-term studies for coronary artery disease prevention should include laboratory safeguards that help to distinguish modest population changes in serum lipids and lipoproteins from laboratory drift.