Abstract
In 40 children with familial hypertriglyceridemia (FTG), 13±.6 years old (x̄±SE), effectiveness of weight reduction and the NIH type IV diet was assessed. The children came from 34 kindreds where 1 propositus parent and at least 1 additional 1st or 2nd degree relative had FTG. Initially, 20 of the 40 children were obese (defined as ≥ the 95th percentile for weight, adjusted for height). For obese children, weight reduction programs were provided. For nonobese children and for children after weight reduction, NIH Type IV diet was provided, with 20% of the calories as protein, 40% at fat, 40% as carbohydrate, with a P/S of 1.5/1. Diet adherence and dietary re-instruction were checked every 2 months. After 6 months on diet, mean (±SE) triglycerides (TG) in the 40 children fell from 242±30 to 120±8, p<.001; TG were normalized (≤ 140 mg/dl) in 29 of 40 children. Plasma cholesterol fell from 195±7 to 182±6 mg/dl at 6 months, p<.05. Mean weight loss over the 6 month period was 1.2±1.4kg, p>.1. Decrements in weight failed to correlate with decrements in TG, r=.212, p>.1. In 13 children, after 8-12 months on diet, TG fell from 290±86 (basal levels) to 149±32 mg/dl, p<.05, with TG ≤ 140 mg/dl in 8 of the 13. Obesity facilitates expression of FTG in children at genetic risk. Despite only modest weight reduction, and with use of the Type IV diet, TG levels can be normalized in most children with FTG. Sensitivity to dietary therapy emphasizes the importance of quantitating TG in children from kindreds with FTG.
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Glueck, C., Mellies, M., Tsang, R. et al. FAMILIAL HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA IN CHILDREN: DIETARY THERAPY. Pediatr Res 11, 514 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00864
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00864