Apolipoprotein A and high density lipoprotein cholesterol in childhood nephrotic syndrome.

Plasma triglyceride, apolipoprotein A, total and high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were estimated in childhood nephrotic syndrome. The plasma lipid concentrations within the nephrotic group were variable with elevation of both triglyceride and cholesterol present in 60%, triglyceride alone in 10% and cholesterol alone in 30% respectively. The mean plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were significantly elevated in the nephrotic children. The increase in plasma triglyceride seems unrelated to the serum cholesterol concentration. The high density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly reduced, whereas the apolipoprotein A concentration was elevated, probably suggesting the presence of an Apolipoprotein A-rich high density lipoprotein in nephrotic children.