[Levels of cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in blood serum of children from Silesia]. / Stezenie cholesterolu, HDL-cholesterolu, LDL-cholesterolu i trójglicerydów w surowicy krwi dzieci slaskich.

In order to estimate the mean and borderline total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a group of 1151 children aged 7 to 15 years was examined. They were randomly chosen from elementary schools in Katowice, the capital city of Silesia. Significantly lower total cholesterol levels were found in 14-15 year old boys and girls than in children from the younger age groups. The highest borderline total cholesterol level was found in children aged 10 years. Older children had the lowest borderline HDL-cholesterol values. As the prevention of coronary disease should already start in childhood, it is necessary to assess the mean and borderline lipoprotein levels in school children. The present work, together with the previously published papers from different parts of Poland, may contribute to establishing normal values for our country.

[Atherosclerosis risk factors in school children from Silesia]. / Wystepowanie czynników zagrozenia miazdzyca u dzieci slaskich w wieku szkolnym.

Hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, elevated LDL-cholesterol levels, lowered HDL-cholesterol levels, obesity and elevated blood pressure incidence were studied among 1151 school children from the Silesian region. Children whose parents had a positive history for cardiovascular disease were also analyzed. In 20.8% subjects at least one risk factor was found, in 5.6% subjects--two, in 1.6% subjects--three and in 0.8% subjects--four risk factors were present. Obesity was the most common risk factor and obese children were the most likely to be hypertensive or have dyslipoproteinemia.

[Efficacy and safety of dexfenfluramine treatment in obese adolescents]. / Skutecznosc i bezpieczenstwo stosowania dexfenfluraminy u mlodziezy z otyloscia prosta.

To assess the effect of dexfenfluramine on weight loss in obese adolescents, a group of 19 obese girls and boys was treated with a low calorie diet, supplemented with dexfenfluramine. The control group comprising the same number of patients was treated with diet only. Three weeks of hospitalization were followed by three weeks of treatment on an outpatient basis. An insignificantly larger weight loss in the dexfenfluramine-treated group was noted during the outpatient treatment. Dexfenfluramine therapy also resulted in a significant reduction of the serum triglycerides level. No serious side effects of dexfenfluramine therapy were noted.