Ethnicity and other characteristics predictive of coronary heart disease in a developing community; principal results of the St. James survey, Trinidad

A ten year community survey was undertaken to investigate the high coronary heart (CHI) incidence among people of Indian (South Asian) descent in Trinidad, West Indies. Of 2491 individuals aged 35-69, 2215 (89 percent) were examined and 2069 (83 percent) found to be clinically free of CHD at baseline. After exclusion of 71 of minority ethnic groups, 786 African, 598 Indian, 147 European and 467 adults of mixed descent were followed for CHD morbidity and mortality. In both sexes, adults of Indian origin had higher prevalence rates of diabetes mellitus, a low concentration of high density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol, and recent abstinence from alcohol than other ethnic groups. Indian men also had larger skinfold thicknesses than other men. In participants free of CHD at entry, the age-adjusted relative risk of a cardiac event believed due to CHD, was at least twice as high in Indian men and women as in other ethnic groups. In men, blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and low-density lipoprotein(LDL) cholesterol concentration were positively and independently related to risk of CHD, wheras alcohol consumption and HDL cholesterol concentration were inversely associated with risk after allowing for age and ethnic group. The ethnic contrast in CHD persisted when these characteristics were taken into account. In the smaller sample of women, only ethnic groups were predictive of CHD as defined. The failure of point estimates of risk to explain the high CHD incidence in Indians calls for focus on age of onset of risk and examination of other potential risk factors such as insulin concentration. (AU)

Ethnic differences in growth potential of children of African, Indian, Chinese and European origin

Community surveys of infants and children of African, Indian, Chinese and European origin in Guyana and Jamaica have been reviewed in order to compare the infleunce of ethnic origin and environmental, including nutrition, on anthropometric measurements used to assess nutritional status. Mean heights and weights of African and European were greater than those of Indian and Chinese children. African had greater weight for height and greater arm circumferences but smaller triceps skinfolds than Indian children. These differences, which cannot be disregarded when assessing nutritional status by anthropometric measurements. Specific adjustments of international standards of height and weight are proposed in order to make them more appropriate for Indian and Chinese children. (Summary)

Scoliosis with progressive external ophthalmoplegia in four siblings

Four cases are presented of a syndrome of progressive external ophthalmoplegia and scoliosis occurring within one family. These patients were extensively investigated but no biochemical abnormality was detected (AU)