[A randomized single-blind trial of the effects of vitamins C and E in familial hypercholesterolemia].
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of antioxidant vitamin C and E administration on dyslipidemia, plasma fatty acid composition, and biochemical inflammatory markers in children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH).


METHODS
Forty girls and boys with heterozygous FH, aged between 2 and 18 years, and with plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels higher than 160 mg/dl were studied.


METHODS
We performed an open longitudinal randomized trial over a 1-year period. All children followed a dietary intervention according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)-1 guidelines and were randomized into two groups. One group (n = 21) received therapy with vitamin C (500 mg twice a day) and vitamin E (400 IU per day). A second group (n = 19) did not receive vitamin therapy.


RESULTS
In patients receiving antioxidant vitamins, plasma linoleic acid levels (18:2 omega-6) significantly increased and the essential fatty acid deficiency ratio significantly decreased (Mead/arachidonic acid: 20:4 omega-6/20:3 omega-9). No significant differences were observed in plasma lipid profile, adhesion molecules, or reactive C protein.


CONCLUSIONS
Antioxidant vitamin therapy in children with heterozygous FH modifies the plasma fatty acid profile. These modifications are independent of the degree of dyslipidemia and may represent an indicator of reduced cardiovascular risk.
Aldámiz-Echevarría
L
L
Departamento de Pediatría, División de Metabolismo, Hospital de Cruces y Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad del País Vasco, Baracaldo, España. kaldamiz@hcru.osakidetza.net
Dalmau
J
J
Prieto
J A
JA
Andrade
F
F
Sanjurjo
P
P
Elorz
J
J
Rodríguez-Sorianoa
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006938:Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014815:Vitamins; D014810:Vitamin E; D001205:Ascorbic Acid