ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Fibrinogen is one of the most discussed new risk factors of atherosclerosis. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between fibrinogen concentration and classic risk markers of atherosclerosis in a group of children aged from 2 to 6 with or without a family history of circulatory system diseases (FHCAD) (American Academy of Pediatrics--AAP criteria). The study also considered the impact of allergies/food intolerance treatment with elimination diets on the concentration of atherosclerosis markers specially fibrinogen. INCLUSION CRITERIA: a) family history of early occurrence of circulatory system diseases (FHCAD+) according to AAP standards; b) the type and duration of elimination diet continued in infancy and early childhood. 134 of 388 children were included in the investigation. RESULTS: The analysis of data relating to the so-called classic biochemical risk factors of atherosclerosis (total cholesterol--TC, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, glucose) did not reveal any differences between the tested groups. It was found that in the FHCAD+ group the concentration of fibrinogen was statistically higher than in the group with a negative family history. It was discovered that the type of elimination diet had no effect on fibrinogen level in the FHCAD+ group. In the group of children with negative family history the concentration of fibrinogen was statistically lower in the group on casein hydrolysate than in children treated with soy formula. CONCLUSIONS: The initial interview in pediatrics should include information on the patient's family history of atherosclerosis. In case of a positive family history, fibrinogen, as one of atherosclerosis risk factors, should be monitored.
