Gipsy-white differences in serum Lp(a) lipoprotein levels

Background and Aim: Lipoprotein(a) has been identified as an independent risk factor for ischemic vascular disease (IVD). Data regarding differences between various racial groups should help to understand genetic and pathophysiologic processes and to reduce IVD morbidity and mortality. Methods and Results: Serum Lp(a) was determined in 167 gipsy and 186 white children between the ages of 6 months and 14 years. The results show a significant increase in Lp(a) concentrations in rite gipsy children compared to their white counterparts. The frequency distribution was markedly skewed in both racial groups, and the highest frequencies were shifted to higher values in the gipsies. Lp(a) concentrations increased slightly, but not significantly, with age. Conclusions: Triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL and apolipoprotein concentrations did not differ significantly between the corresponding age groups of gipsy and white children, the difference between mean values of LDL cholesterol/apo B was at the margin of significance. (C)1998, Medikal Press.