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Serum lipoprotein (a) concentrations among Arab children: a hospital-based study in Kuwait
M Alsaeid1, K Alsaeid, H R Fatania
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, Kuwait.
Insights
This study measured lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] and other serum lipids in Arab children. Most children had low Lp(a) levels, with only a small percentage showing levels linked to cardiovascular risk.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Elevated lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is a significant risk factor for premature atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
- These conditions are notably prevalent within the Kuwaiti population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify serum lipid concentrations, specifically Lp(a), in Arab children.
- To compare these lipid values with those reported for other ethnic groups.
Main Methods:
- Serum concentrations of Lp(a), total cholesterol [T-CHOL], HDL, LDL, and TG were measured.
- The study included 103 Arab children.
Main Results:
- The mean and median Lp(a) levels were 140.4 mg/l and 95 mg/l, respectively.
- Lp(a) showed a positive correlation with T-CHOL and LDL.
- Only 8.7% of children exhibited Lp(a) levels (> or = 300 mg/l) associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
Conclusions:
- Arab children in this cohort generally present with low serum Lp(a) levels.
- The findings suggest a lower prevalence of high-risk Lp(a) levels in this pediatric population compared to general cardiovascular risk factors.
Abstract:
Elevated lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for premature atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, both of which are prevalent among Kuwaitis. Our objective was to measure serum lipids, including Lp(a), in Arab children and compare them with values reported for other ethnic groups. To that end, serum concentrations of Lp(a), total cholesterol [T-CHOL], high density lipoprotein [HDL], low density lipoprotein [LDL], and triglyceride [TG] were assessed in 103 Arab children. The mean and median Lp(a) were 140.4 mg/l and 95 mg/l, respectively. The Lp(a) frequency distribution was skewed to the right with the highest frequencies appearing at low levels. Serum Lp(a) correlated positively with T-CHOL and LDL but did not correlate with age, HDL and TG. Only nine children (8.7%) had serum Lp(a) levels associated with increased cardiovascular risk, namely > or = 300 mg/l.