Lipoprotein(a) levels in children and adolescents with diabetes

To determine lipoprotein(a) in children and adolescents with IDDM and assess its relation with Lp(a) levels in their first degree relatives.

In a cross-sectional study we included 141 IDDM patients, (58 male and 83 female) with mean ages 12.2 +/- 2.8 and 12.6 +/- 3.1 years, respectively. Patients with microalbuminuria, hepatopathy, thyroid dysfunction, infectious disease, acute decompensation or surgery three months prior to the study, were excluded. Clinical history, physical examination, blood chemistry, glycosilated hemoglobin, microalbuminuria and lipid profile including total cholesterol triglycerides, HDL-C, Apo A-I, Apo B and Lp(a) were determined. Parents and non-diabetic siblings were also studied when feasible.

Mean plasma concentration of total cholesterol, HDL-C and Apo A-I were significantly higher in diabetic boys compared to their non-diabetic sibs. Mean Lp(a) plasma values and the prevalence of Lp(a) > 30 mg/dL were similar in the IDDM patients, their healthy sibs and parents. Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were more frequent among the IDDM patients. No correlation was found between HbA1, and Lp(a) concentrations. However, a correlation was observed between Lp(a) plasma concentrations of parents and their diabetic and healthy offspring.

Diabetes mellitus does not seem to affect Lp(a) levels. These data are consistent with a genetic regulation of Lp(a) plasma levels.