ABSTRACT
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.
Subject(s)
Arteriosclerosis/blood , Arteriosclerosis/genetics , Lipoprotein(a)/blood , Apolipoprotein A-I/metabolism , Apolipoproteins B/blood , Apolipoproteins E/blood , Child, Preschool , Cholesterol/blood , Female , France , Humans , Male , Phenotype , Risk Factors , Triglycerides/bloodABSTRACT
Urinary iodine excretion was assessed in 1222 healthy children aged 10 months (n = 456), 2 years (n = 368) and 4 years (n = 398) living in the Paris area and originating from continental France (55.2%), North Africa (15.7%), the West Indies (9.7%), West Africa (8.2%), Southeast Asia (5.5%), and southern Europe (5.7%). Iodine excretions (median values) were, respectively, 18.1, 13.4 and 11.6 micrograms/100 ml at 10 months, 2 years and 4 years, and risk of mild to moderate iodine deficiency (< 10 micrograms/100 ml) was 18.0%, 32.3% and 37.2% for the same age groups. Urinary iodine excretion was highest among Southeast Asian children, and lowest among West Africans. Hearing acuity was measured either by conventional mono-aural pure-tone audiometry or by binaural free field testing depending on the child's age. Hearing loss at 4000 Hz and average hearing impairment at speech frequencies (500, 1000 and 2000 Hz) were more severe among children at risk of mild to moderate iodine deficiency (less than 10 micrograms/100 ml) compared with those with urinary excretion above 10 micrograms/100 ml.
Subject(s)
Hearing Disorders/urine , Iodine/deficiency , Anthropometry , Audiometry, Pure-Tone , Body Height , Body Weight , Child, Preschool , Hearing Disorders/diagnosis , Hearing Disorders/etiology , Hearing Disorders/physiopathology , Humans , Infant , Iodine/urine , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
Urinary iodine excretion was assessed in 642 healthy children aged 10 mo (n = 243), 2 yr (n = 183), and 4 yr (n = 216) living in the Paris area and originating from continental France (60.3%), North Africa (13.8%), the West Indies (9.1%), West Africa (8.3%), Southeast Asia (4.8%), and southern Europe (3.8%). Mild impairment of neurological (reflexes, tone, audiometry) and intellectual development (Brunet-Lézine scale) was assessed in relation to iodine status. Iodine excretions (median values) were 18.4, 11.9, and 10.9 micrograms/100 mL at 10 mo, 2 yr, and 4 yr, respectively, and risk of mild iodine deficiency (5-10 micrograms/100 mL) was 18.1%, 34.8%, and 38.3% for the same age groups. No relationship was found between anthropometry, global development quotient, and iodine status. High hearing thresholds were more commonly associated with lower iodine excretion, suggesting mild hearing defects. In spite of iodine prophylaxis, the risk of mild to moderate iodine deficiency still exists in France and in a number of European countries. Evaluation of neurological sequels of borderline iodine status is a major public health problem in European communities.
Subject(s)
Aging/urine , Diet , Iodine/urine , Child, Preschool , Deficiency Diseases/complications , Deficiency Diseases/etiology , Deficiency Diseases/urine , France , Hearing Loss/etiology , Humans , Infant , Iodine/deficiencyABSTRACT
A solid phase enzyme immunoassay for erythropoietin which required only a small specimen of blood was evaluated. It permitted measurement up to 150 IU/L. Recovery was between 86.2% and 110.0% and between-batch precision between 4.7% and 5.7%. We determined the levels of erythropoietin in infants aged 10 months (geometric mean 11.2 IU/L; 95% range 3.6-34.9) and in children aged 2 years (geometric mean 10.5 IU/L; 95% range 4.3-25.8). Both were significantly higher than the values found in children aged 4 years (geometric mean 7.2 IU/L; 95% range 2.4-21.8). There were no differences between the values in children at 4 years, those aged 4-15 years and adults.
Subject(s)
Erythropoietin/blood , Immunoenzyme Techniques , Adolescent , Adult , Age Factors , Child , Child, Preschool , Evaluation Studies as Topic , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Reference Values , Reproducibility of Results , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
Iron status was assessed using a combination of several biochemical indicators (serum ferritin, erythrocyte protoporphyrin, serum iron, MCV, hemoglobin) in 3,676 apparently healthy children. Children who were 10 months, 2 years and 4 years of age were selected from the population undergoing a free medical check up in a Paris Child Health Center. The prevalence of iron deficiency in children of parents from continental France was 29% in the 10 month olds, 13% in the 2 year olds and 7% in those who were 4 years of age. Corresponding figures in children born of immigrant parents were 50%, 44% and 15% respectively. Iron deficiency anemia was found in 8% of 10 month olds from continental France versus 23% in the other group. Children born of parents from the South Sahara were found to be at high risk for iron deficiency.
