Abstract Background: This study aimed to evaluate the associations between Lipoprotein (a) ‒ Lp(a) levels and carotid Intima-Media Thickness (cIMT) and with carotid plaques in healthy subjects because of previous contradictory data. Methods: A total of 317 healthy normolipidemic subjects (20‒77 years old) were selected. The cIMT and atherosclerotic plaques were determined by B-mode ultrasonography. Mann-Whitney tests were performed to compare the groups according to Lp(a) levels and to explore the associations between Lp(a), carotid plaques, and cIMT, logistic and linear regression analyses were performed. Results: Studied population (51% females, median age 43 years old) presented carotid plaques and cIMT ≥ 0.9 mm in 23% and 18% of the participants, respectively. The group with Lp(a) levels > 30 mg/dL presented significantly higher age and atherosclerotic plaques. Indeed, multivariate linear regression analysis showed a significant association between Lp(a), age, and race. On the other hand, logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the subjects with Lp(a) > 30 mg/dL have a significantly high risk of carotid plaques. Conclusion: The data from the present study indicate that Lp(a) levels above 30 mg/dL contribute to the development of carotid plaques even in apparently healthy participants.

Resumo Fundamento: Dentre as dislipidemias, a hipercolesterolemia é considerada o principal fator de risco para doenças cardiovasculares em adultos. Na infância e adolescência, a elevação de colesterol total (CT) e colesterol da lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL-C) associam-se positivamente a marcadores de aterosclerose, entretanto, a triagem sistemática para dislipidemias nestes grupos é um tema controverso. Objetivos: Caracterizar as frequências, tipos e gravidade de dislipidemias em crianças e adolescentes atendidos nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBS) mantidas pelo SUS em Campinas/SP. Métodos: A partir do convênio com a Secretaria Municipal de Saúde de Campinas foram obtidos resultados consecutivos de perfis lipídicos séricos (n = 312.650) de indivíduos de ambos os sexos (n = 62.530), com idade entre 1 dia e 19 anos, entre 2008 e 2015. Grupos etários e dislipidemias foram classificados conforme recomendações da literatura. O nível de significância estatístico considerado significativo foi de p < 0,05. Resultados: As frequências observadas de CT, triglicérides (TG), LDL-C e não HDL-C (NHDL-C) aumentados foram, respectivamente 33%, 40%, 29% e 13% e de redução do colesterol da lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL-C) 39%, no total, sendo maiores no sexo feminino e nas regiões sudoeste e sul da cidade, mais vulneráveis do ponto de vista socioeconômico; já em infantes a de TG, e nos adolescentes a de HDL-C prevaleceram. Conclusões: A alta frequência e a regionalização das dislipidemias em crianças e adolescentes apontam para a necessidade de ações específicas no manuseio e tratamento destas no âmbito do sistema público de saúde em Campinas.

Abstract Background: Among dyslipidemias, hypercholesterolemia is considered the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in adults. In childhood and adolescence, elevated total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are positively associated with atherosclerosis markers, however, systematic screening for dyslipidemias in these groups is a controversial topic. Objective: To characterize the frequencies, types and severity of dyslipidemias in children and adolescents attended at the Basic Health Units managed by SUS in Campinas/SP. Methods: After an agreement with the Municipal Health Department of Campinas, consecutive results of serum lipid profiles (n = 312,650) of individuals of both sexes (n = 62,530) aged between 1 day old and 19 years were obtained, from 2008 to 2015. Age groups and dyslipidemias were classified according to recommendations in the literature. The statistical significance level adopted was the probability value (p) of 0.05 or less. Results: The observed frequencies of increased TC, triglycerides (TG), LDL-C and non-HDL-C (NHDL-C) were 33%, 40%, 29% and 13% respectively, and of reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) the frequency was 39%. The frequencies, in general, were greater in females and in the southwest and south regions of the city, whose populations are more vulnerable from the socioeconomic point of view; on the other hand, in children and adolescents, the frequencies of TG and HDL-C prevailed, respectively. Conclusions: The high frequency and regionalization of dyslipidemias in children and adolescents indicate the need for specific actions in the handling and treatment of such diseases by the public health system of Campinas.