Usefulness of non-fasting lipid parameters in children

Background: This study assessed whether non-fasting lipid markers could be substituted for fasting markers in screening for dyslipidemia, whether direct measurement of non-fasting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C (D)] could be substituted for the calculation of fasting LDL-C [LDL-C (F)], and the utility of measuring non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C). Methods: In 33 children, the lipid profile was measured in the non-fasting and fasting states within 24 h. Correlations were examined between non-fasting LDL-C (D) or non-HDL-C levels and fasting LDL-C (F) levels. Results: Non-fasting triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-C (D), and non-HDL-C levels were all significantly higher than the fasting levels, but the mean difference was within 10% (except for TG). Non-fasting LDL-C (D) and non-HDL-C levels were strongly correlated with the fasting LDL-C (F) levels. Conclusions: In conclusion, except for TG, non-fasting lipid parameters are useful when screening children for dyslipidemia. Direct measurement of non-fasting LDL-C and calculation of non-fasting non-HDL-C could replace the calculation of fasting LDL-C because of convenience.