SERUM-LIPOPROTEIN (A) CONCENTRATIONS AMONG ARAB CHILDREN - A HOSPITAL-BASED STUDY IN KUWAIT

Elevated lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for pre mature atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, both of which are p revalent among Kuwaitis. Our objective was to measure serum lipids, in cluding Lp(a), in Arab children and compare them with values reported for other ethnic groups. To that end, serum concentrations of Lp(a), t otal cholesterol [T-CHOL], high density lipoprotein [HDL], low density lipoprotein [LDL], and triglyceride [TG] were assessed in 103 Arab ch ildren. The mean and median Lp(a) were 140.4 mg/l and 95 mg/l, respect ively. The Lp(a) frequency distribution was skewed to the right with t he highest frequencies appearing at low levels. Serum Lp(a) correlated positively with T-CHOL and LDL but did not correlate with age, HDL an d TG. Only nine children (8.7%) had serum Lp(a) levels associated with increased cardiovascular risk, namely greater than or equal to 300 mg /l.