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Fibrinogen as a cardiovascular risk factor in Spanish children and adolescents. The Niño Jesus Group
M Sanchez-Bayle1, P Cocho, J Baeza
1Department of Pediatrics, Hospital del Niño Jesus, Madrid, Spain.
Insights
Plasma fibrinogen (FG) levels in children are linked to cardiovascular risk factors. Higher FG levels in children correlate with increased cholesterol, triglycerides, and VLDL cholesterol, indicating potential early cardiovascular disease risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Biochemistry
- Public Health
Background:
- Fibrinogen (FG) is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults.
- Limited data exists on plasma FG levels and associated cardiovascular risk factors in pediatric populations.
- Understanding pediatric FG levels is crucial for early CVD risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine plasma fibrinogen (FG) levels in children aged 2-18 years.
- To analyze FG distribution by age and sex.
- To investigate the relationship between FG levels and cardiovascular risk factors like lipids and family history.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 2224 children from five schools in Madrid.
- Measurement of plasma fibrinogen (FG) levels.
- Assessment of plasma lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL cholesterol).
- Analysis of demographic data including age, sex, and family history of CVD risk factors.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher plasma FG levels were observed in females aged 6-8 and 16-18 years compared to males (p < 0.001).
- Children with plasma FG levels > 394 mg/dl exhibited significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and VLDL cholesterol (p < 0.05).
- Elevated FG levels were associated with adverse lipid profiles in the pediatric population.
Conclusions:
- Plasma fibrinogen levels in children show variations by age and sex.
- Elevated plasma FG in children is associated with unfavorable lipid profiles, suggesting potential early cardiovascular risk.
- These findings highlight the importance of monitoring FG levels in pediatric populations for CVD risk stratification.
Abstract:
Studies done on adults reveal a significant role of fibrinogen (FG) in cardiovascular disease. The main purpose of our study was to determine the level of plasma FG in children, its distribution according to age and sex, and its relationship to other cardiovascular risk factors such as cigarette smoking, plasma lipid disturbances, and a positive family history for other cardiovascular risk factors. We studied a population of 2224 children, aged 2 to 18 years, from five different schools located in Madrid. We found a significantly higher level of FG in the groups of females aged 6 to 8 and 16 to 18 years than in males of the same ages (p < 0.001). The study population was distributed into two groups according to the plasma fibrinogen level: > 394 mg/dl and < 394 mg/dl. In both groups we determined plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol and found these parameters significantly higher in the group with an FG level > 394 mg/dl (p < 0.05).