[Protein-energy deficiency in children of the first year of life as a risk factor for dislipoproteinemia].

UNLABELLED: The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the overall mortality rate among populations in economically developed countries highlights the importance of atherosclerosis, with dyslipoproteinemia being a key risk factor. The purpose of the research was to identify the features of the blood serum lipid spectrum in infants with protein-energy malnutrition (PEM).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

In 107 children with acute PEM aged 1 to 12 months (60 boys and 47 girls), and 30 healthy children with normal physical development without acute diseases (18 boys and 12 girls), the blood serum parameters of lipid metabolism were studied: triacylglycerols (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C). In 48 children, body weight deficit corresponded to degree I, in 42 - II, in 17 - III. Exclusion criteria for the survey: chromosomal and genetic diseases, congenital malformations, acute infectious diseases.

RESULTS

In acute PEM in infants, the TC and HDL-C level does not differ from the indicators of children from the control group and is characterized by stability. The TAG level is significantly decreased at grade I PEM (-33%; p≤0.05), stabilizes at grade II. The significant TAG decrease at grade III (-36%; p≤0.05) reflects the depletion of the adaptation reserve during PEM. The decrease in VLDL-C and the increase in LDL-C are most pronounced at stage III PEM (-31%; p≤0.05; +85%; p≤0.05). In boys with PEM, an increase in both VLDL-C and LDL-C was found (+45%; p≤0.05; +85%; p≤0.05, respectively). In girls, an increase in LDL-C is combined with a decrease in VLDL-C (+40%; p≤0.05; -56%; p≤0.05, respectively). At the same time, dyslipidemia of the atherogenic type is formed only in children with PEM under 6 months of age.

CONCLUSION

The development of PEM in children of the first half year of life leads to a change in the metabolic status of the atherogenic type, which is most typical for boys, without affecting the category of girls, and with a severe degree of PEM. This metabolic restructuring indicates the risk of developing atherosclerosis in subsequent age periods.