The role of apoprotein B in the diagnosis and follow up of hyperlipoproteinemias in childhood

: The levels of apoproteins AI, B, lipoproteins (Total-C, LDL-C HDL-C, VLDL-C) and B/AI, LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were analyzed in 41 patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. 25 patients (60%) had a positive family history of hyperlipemia. All the patients showed a "pathological" apo B values, but only 35 of them (85%) coexisted with high Total-C and LDL-C values. 28/41 patients (68%) were treated and followed for more than one year, after which two groups were obtained: Group 1, respondent (N = 15) in which we observed a significant decrease of Total-C and Apo B after diet treatment. Group 2, no respondent (N = 13) in which not change in any biochemical parameter was observed, and required the addition of drug treatment (Probucol). Apoprotein B level was the biochemical parameter, which showed the highest porcentual decrease after treatment, in comparison with other biochemical parameters, resulting in a lowering of 36.3 and 26.3 percent for group 1 and 2 respectively. These results prove the usefulness of Apo B level measurement in the diagnosis of hyperlipoproteinemia in the pediatric age, as well as that children with normal total-C and LDL-C may have pathological Apo B and Apo B level is the parameter with highest decrease with dietetic and/o farmacological treatment.