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High Triglycerides Common In Cystic Fibrosis Patients
A DGReview of :"Abnormal lipid concentrations in cystic fibrosis"
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
06/11/2002
By Mark Pownall
High levels of triglycerides in the blood are common in cystic fibrosis, questioning the traditional belief that lipid levels were not of concern in this group of patients.
The clinical significance of the findings may become more important as modern treatments result in patients with cystic fibrosis living longer, the researchers behind the study say.
The researchers, from the University of Minnesota in the United States, measured the fasting lipid profiles in 192 patients with cystic fibrosis. The patients also had an oral glucose tolerance test.
The CF patients of all ages had higher triacylglycerol and lower total cholesterol concentrations than the means of the US population. Thirty three of the patients (16 percent) had hypertriglyceridaemia, while eight had elevated cholesterol. levels.
Most of the patients had only hypertriglyceridaemia; only three had both high triglycerides and high cholesterol in their plasma samples.
There was no obvious correlation to other biochemical measurements. Lipid levels were not linked to body mass index, weight, glucose tolerance, the area under the curve or glucose or insulin, nor glycated hemoglobin levels.
There was also no link established with cystic fibrosis genotype, use of systemic steroids, blood pressure, liver enzymes, CV-reactive protein or pulmonary function.
In the face of all these negative findings, the researchers suggest that the hypertriglyceridaemia seen in cystic fibrosis patients may be related to a chronic low-grade inflammation or to a dietary macronutrient imbalance with an excess absorption of simple carbohydrate compared to fat.
The researchers say it is uncertain whether the lipid abnormalities are related to a risk of cardiovascular disease in the CF population.
Am J Clin Nutr 2002; 75: 1005-1011.
"Abnormal lipid concentrations in cystic fibrosis"
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