Lipoprotein(a) in childhood: relation with other atherosclerosis risk factors and family history of atherosclerosis.

The relation between lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], apolipoprotein (apo) E phenotypes, cholesterol, triglycerides, apo A-I, apo B, and a family history of atherosclerosis or risk factors was studied in 2- and 4-year-old French Caucasian children (n = 499). Lp(a) concentrations were distributed in a typical skewed manner and were found to be an independent lipid variable. The distribution of apo E phenotypes did not differ by gender. Cholesterol and apo B were under apo E phenotype control; Lp(a) was not. A significant positive relation was found between Lp(a) concentrations and the number of parental risk factors. Children whose grandparents had a history of cardiovascular disease had Lp(a) concentrations shifted towards higher values. Measurement of Lp(a) in children may help to identify those at an increased risk of atherosclerotic disease, especially when their parents have at least two relevant risk factors.