Lipid profile stability and prognostic value in adolescents: 22-year prospective study

Abstract

Aim. To prospectively assess dynamics, stability, and prognostic value of blood lipid profile (LP) in adolescents, for identifying early coronary heart disease prevention approaches. Material and methods. This prospective study included 347 boys and 332 girls. During 22-year follow-up, six clinical examinations were performed (at the age of 13-14, 15-16, 19-20, 21-22, 26 and 34-35 years). Examination program included measuring levels of total cholesterol (TCH), high-density lipoprotein CH (HDL-CH), and triglycerides (TG), body weight (BW) and height (BH), subscapular, abdominal, and triceps skin fold thickness (SST, AST, and TST), pubescence assessment. Results. Gender differences in LP, especially in pubescence, could not be completely explained. Increased LP atherogenity and dyslipidemia (DLP) rates in young males were associated with increased BW and fat tissue percentage. Mildly increased and normal TCH, HDL-CH, low-density lipoprotein CH (LDL-CH) in pubescent boys and girls were equally stable and not associated with increased risk of atherogenic DLP in adult age. In pubescent adolescents, TCH predicted its level in 34-35 year-olds only in combination with physical development parameters. Overweight in pubescent boys was an independent predictor of future hypercholesterolemia in adult age. Conclusion.The observed age LP dynamics points to the need for early preventive measures in risk groups and general population, starting in pre-pubertal or early pubertal periods.

Keywords

• adolescents
• lipid profile
• cholesterol
• tracking
• prospective follow-up