Usefulness of serum apolipoprotein B levels for screening children with primary dyslipoproteinemias.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the use of serum apolipoprotein B levels for screening children with primary dyslipoproteinemia (those with elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]) and to know the types of dyslipoproteinemias we can identify.


METHODS
Criterion standard.


METHODS
Referral center.


METHODS
We have studied 267 children. Of these, 31 had parents with dyslipoproteinemia, 38 had parents with ischemic heart disease, and 43 had hypercholesterolemia detected by routine analyses. One hundred fifty-five were considered healthy children and comprised the control group.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
Sensitivity was 87% for total serum cholesterol levels and 73% for serum apolipoprotein B levels. Of the children studied, 31 had elevated levels of serum LDL-C. The types of dyslipoproteinemia in children with both elevated levels of serum LDL-C and apolipoprotein B consisted of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, found in 12 (50%) of 24 patients; familial combined hyperlipidemia, found in 11 (46%) of 24 patients; and polygenic hypercholesterolemia, found in one (4%) of 24 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Serum apolipoprotein B level appears to be a good tool for screening children with elevated levels of LDL-C and is equivalent to using total serum cholesterol levels. In children with elevated serum LDL-C and apolipoprotein B levels, we can identify not only patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia but also those with familial combined hyperlipidemia or polygenic hypercholesterolemia.
Sarría
A
A
Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain.
Moreno
L A
LA
Mur
M
M
Lázaro
A
A
Bueno
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D001055:Apolipoproteins B / Q000097:blood*; D002648:Child; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D006951:Hyperlipoproteinemias / Q000097:blood* / Q000145:classification / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
D001055:Apolipoproteins B; D002784:Cholesterol