Management of Low and High Grades Spondylolisthesis.

Spondylolisthesis is defined as the displacement or misalignment of the vertebral bodies one on top of the other. It comes from the Greek spondlylos, which means vertebra, and olisthesis, which means sliding on a slope. The nomenclature used to refer to spondylolisthesis consists of the following elements: vertebral segment (vertebrae involved), degree of sliding of one vertebral body over the other, the position of the upper vertebral body with respect to the lower one (anterolisthesis/retrolisthesis), and finally the etiology [1].

Tools and Modalities for Postural Ergonomics Research in Surgery and Neurosurgery.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are common amongst neurosurgeons and can affect a surgeon's ability to operate. Performing surgical ergonomics research is important to minimize the prevalence and effect of WMSDs on the surgeons. The aim of this review is to highlight some of the most important objective and subjective tools available for surgical ergonomics research. Subjective tools can be divided into three categories: (1) questionnaires (either validated or non-validated) filled out by the participants, (2) survey assessments/standardized scoring systems filled out by the researchers, and (3) video analysis. Subjective tools have the drawbacks of recall bias and intra-rater and inter-rater variability. Some of the most important objective tools available are surface electromyography, force plate/pressure sensors analysis, inertial measurement units (IMUs) and kinematics data capturing using reflective markers. Although these modalities do not have the drawbacks that hinder the use of subjective tools, using most of them in the real-life operating theatre, with the exception of IMUs, is challenging. Conducting surgical ergonomics research is important to optimize the performance of neurosurgeons. The advancements towards wearable, wireless technologies will make it easier for surgeons to perform ergonomics research in the operating room.

The importance of social networks in neurosurgery training in low/middle income countries.

Introduction: Neurosurgery is evolving with new techniques and technologies, relies heavily on high-quality education and training. Social networks like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn have become integral to this training. These platforms enable sharing of surgical experiences, fostering global knowledge-sharing and collaboration among neurosurgeons. Virtual conferences and courses are accessible, enhancing learning regardless of location. While these networks offer real-time communication and collaborative opportunities, they also pose challenges like the spread of misinformation and potential distractions. According to the PICO format, the target population (P) for the purpose of this paper are medical students, neurosurgical residents and consultants on the role of social media (I) in neurosurgery among Low-Middle income countries (C) with the main outcome to understand the collaborative domain of learning. Material and method: This cross-sectional survey, conducted in June-July 2023, involved 210 medical students, neurosurgery residents, fellows, and practicing neurosurgeons from low and middle-income countries. A structured questionnaire assessed social network usage for neurosurgery training, covering demographic details, usage frequency, and purposes like education, collaboration, and communication. Participants rated these platforms' effectiveness in training on a 1-5 scale. Data collection employed emails, social media groups, and direct messaging, assuring respondent anonymity. The survey aimed to understand and improve social networks' use in neurosurgery, focusing on professional development, challenges, and future potential in training. Results: In a survey of 210 participants from low and middle-income countries, 85.5% were male, 14.5% female, with diverse roles: 42.9% neurosurgery residents, 40% practicing neurosurgeons, 14.6% medical students, and 2.4% other healthcare professionals. Experience ranged from 0 to 35 years, with Mexico, Nigeria, and Kenya being the top participating countries. Most respondents rated neurosurgery training resources in their countries as poor or very poor. 88.7% used social media professionally, predominantly WhatsApp and YouTube. Content focused on surgical videos, research papers, and webinars. Concerns included information quality and data privacy. Interactive case discussions, webinars, and lectures were preferred resources, and most see a future role for social media in neurosurgery training. Conclusions: Our study underscores the crucial role of social media in neurosurgery training and practice in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Key resources include surgical videos, research papers, and webinars. While social media offers a cost-effective, global knowledge-sharing platform, challenges like limited internet access, digital literacy, and misinformation risks remain significant in these regions.

Low-Cost 3D Models for Cervical Spine Tumor Removal Training for Neurosurgery Residents.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Spinal surgery, particularly for cervical pathologies such as myelopathy and radiculopathy, requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skill. The complexity of these conditions, often necessitating surgical intervention, underscores the need for intricate understanding and precision in execution. Advancements in neurosurgical training, especially with the use of low-cost 3D models for simulating cervical spine tumor removal, are revolutionizing this field. These models provide the realistic and hands-on experience crucial for mastering complex neurosurgical techniques, filling gaps left by traditional educational methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of 3D-printed cervical vertebrae models in enhancing surgical skills, focusing on tumor removal, and involving 20 young neurosurgery residents. These models, featuring silicone materials to simulate the spinal cord and tumor tissues, provided a realistic training experience. The training protocol included a laminectomy, dural incision, and tumor resection, using a range of microsurgical tools, focusing on steps usually performed by senior surgeons. RESULTS: The training program received high satisfaction rates, with 85% of participants extremely satisfied and 15% satisfied. The 3D models were deemed very realistic by 85% of participants, effectively replicating real-life scenarios. A total of 80% found that the simulated pathologies were varied and accurate, and 90% appreciated the models' accurate tactile feedback. The training was extremely useful for 85% of the participants in developing surgical skills, with significant post-training confidence boosts and a strong willingness to recommend the program to peers. CONCLUSIONS: Continuing laboratory training for residents is crucial. Our model offers essential, accessible training for all hospitals, regardless of their resources, promising improved surgical quality and patient outcomes across various pathologies.

Challenging assumptions: "unveiling meritocracy's reality in neurosurgery".

Introduction: Meritocracy, a concept revered as the cornerstone of fairness and equal opportunity, is critically examined in the context of neurosurgery. This article challenges the notion that success in this demanding field is solely determined by individual abilities and effort. It reveals that factors such as background, gender, and socioeconomic status significantly influence one's career trajectory. By investigating how these systemic barriers impact admissions to neurosurgical training programs and professional advancement, the paper underscores the complexity of meritocracy in neurosurgery, suggesting that the meritocratic ideal is more nuanced and influenced by external variables than commonly believed. Results: Certain universities deemed elite offer a curriculum divergent from that of their counterparts in low and middle-income countries. Students at these "elite" institutions gain exposure to new technologies and research incentives, which brings us to the realm of research. Remarkably, 75% of articles originating from developed nations account for just 25% of traumatic brain injury cases. This disparity highlights a significant research imbalance, and the common refrain underscores the need to bolster research capabilities in low-income countries. For neurosurgeons in the developing world, engaging in research often becomes a luxury due to multifaceted challenges. Financial barriers, including publication costs and paywalls for accessing articles, pose significant hurdles. Comparing salaries between countries underscores the glaring divide according to "Neurosurgeon Salary" in 2024. Neurosurgeons in the United States receive a median salary of $412,000 dollars per year, compared to $13,200 dollars in Latin America, as of June 2023. Given such incongruities, the prospect of even attending conferences or workshops abroad remains difficult for neurosurgeons from developing nations. Research isn't cast aside due to a lack of interest but due to resource limitations. The present landscape demands reconsideration. Conclusion: We underscore the journey towards a more inclusive and equitable future in neurosurgery as not just a goal, but a dynamic process fuelled by resilience, collaboration, and a commitment to diversity. The narrative promotes a collective endeavour to dismantle barriers and embrace innovation, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, cross-institutional collaboration, and the amplification of underrepresented voices.

Prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en un colectivo de mujeres adolescentes / Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a group of adolescent girls

Objetivo Este trabajo se diseñó para estudiar el riesgo cardiovascular en un colectivo de mujeres adolescentes debido a la necesidad de actuar sobre perfiles de riesgo a edades tempranas. Métodos Se han estudiado 135 alumnas de la Escuela Universitaria de Enfermería de la Universidad del País Vasco (18,51±1,12 años). A cada una de ellas se les realizó una encuesta que incluyó datos de filiación, antecedentes familiares y personales de enfermedad cardiovascular, y hábitos de vida. Se determinó el peso, la talla y el perímetro abdominal. Así mismo, se analizaron los niveles de: colesterol total, triglicéridos, cHDL, cLDL, apolipoproteína A1 y apolipoproteína B100. Resultados En cuanto a los antecedentes familiares, el 43,7% los presentó de enfermedad cardiovascular, el 33,3% de diabetes, el 29,6% de dislipemia y el 25,2% de hipertensión. El 3% presentó antecedentes personales. La prevalencia de tabaquismo fue del 21,5%, el 88,1% afirmó practicar habitualmente ejercicio físico, el 86,7% consumía alcohol en fin de semana. En cuanto al perfil lipídico, el 90,2% presentó valores óptimos de colesterol total, toda la muestra presentó niveles de cHDL >40mg/dl, y el 45,7%, >60mg/dl, el 2,6% cLDL >160mg/dl, el 2,2% triglicéridos >150mg/dl. La prevalencia de apolipoproteína A1 <120mg/dl fue del 2,17%, y de apoproteína B100 >120mg/dl, del 1,08%. El 14,1% presentaba sobrepeso y el 1,5%, obesidad. El 5,9% mostró valores de perímetro abdominal ≥88cm. Conclusiones La población estudiada ha presentado porcentajes bajos de factores de riesgo cardiovascular, exceptuando el consumo de alcohol, por lo que se debe seguir insistiendo en la reducción de riesgos y promoción de una vida saludable (AU)

Objective: This study was designed to assess cardiovascular risk in a group of adolescent girlsdue to the need to take action on risk profiles at early ages.Methods: A total of 135 students (18.51±1.12 years) at the School of Nursing of the Universityof the Basque Country (Spain) completed a questionnaire that included items on family andpersonal history of cardiovascular disease and lifestyle habits. Height, weight and abdominalcircumference were measured, as were levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-densitylipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), apolipoprotein A1and apolipoprotein B100.Results: A family history of cardiovascular disease was reported by 43.7%, diabetes by 33.3%,dyslipidemia by 29.6% and hypertension by 25.2%. A personal history of cardiovascular diseasewas reported by 3%. One-fifth (21.5%) were smokers, 88.1% engaged in regular physical activity,and 86.7% consumed alcohol on weekends. Lipid profile was as follows: 90.2% had optimalvalues of total cholesterol, the entire sample had HDL-c levels >40 mg/dL and 45.7% >60 mg/dL;2.6% had LDL-c >160 mg/dL and 2.2% triglyceride levels >150 mg/dL. The prevalence of apolipoproteinA1 <120 mg/dL and B100 >120 md/dL was 2.17% and 1.08%, respectively. A total of14.1% was overweight and 1.5% was obese. Abdominal circumference was >88 cm in 5.9%. Conclusions: Cardiovascular risk factors were low in the population studied, except for alcoholconsumption, indicating the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle to help to reduce therisk of cardiovascular disease (AU)

Diferencias de sexo en los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en pacientes con enfermedad coronaria comprobada angiográficamente / Gender differences on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with angiographically proven coronary heart disease

Introducción. El objetivo de nuestro estudio ha sido determinar las posibles diferencias entre varones y mujeres de una serie de factores de riesgo asociados a la enfermedad coronaria. Pacientes y métodos. Se estudió a 502 pacientes (251 mujeres y 251 varones) consecutivos, a los cuales se realizó una coronariografía para determinar la presencia o ausencia de enfermedad coronaria, y una extracción sanguínea para determinar las concentraciones de colesterol total, colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de alta densidad (cHDL), triglicéridos, colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (cLDL), apolipoproteína A1 y apolipoproteína B100. Se cumplimentó un cuadernillo con antecedentes personales, datos sobre peso y talla, hábito tabáquico y presencia de dislipemia, hipertensión arterial y diabetes mellitus. Resultados. Las mujeres con enfermedad coronaria (59,6%) presentaron concentraciones más altas, y estadísticamente significativas, de triglicéridos y más bajas de cHDL y apolipoproteína A1. Asimismo, la presencia de hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus y dislipemia estuvo claramente asociada con la enfermedad. En los varones con enfermedad coronaria (80,9%), la dislipemia y la diabetes mellitus presentaron una asociación significativa, mientras que el colesterol total, el cLDL y la apolipoproteína B presentaron valores inferiores y estadísticamente significativos, posiblemente debido al tratamiento con hipolipemiantes (..) (AU)

Aim. To determine the possible sex-related differences of certain cardiovascular risk factors associated with angiographically proven coronary heart disease (CHD). Patients and methods. The study consisted of 502 consecutive patients (251 men and 251 women) who underwent coronary arteriography to establish or rule out the presence of coronary artery disease. Blood samples were taken to determine the following parameters: total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B100. The patients answered a questionnaire on their smoking and drinking habits, clinical history and treatments for high blood pressure, dyslipaemia and diabetes. Their weight and height were taken to calculate Body mass Index (BMI). Results. In women, the group with CHD (59.6%) had statistically significant higher levels of triglycerides, lower HDL-cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1. Hypertension, diabetes and dyslipaemia were clearly associated with CHD. In men, the high prevalence of dyslipaemia and diabetes were associated with the group with CHD (80.9%), whereas levels of cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B100 were statistically significantly lower, possibly due to the fact that a very high, statistically significant, number of them were undergoing statin treatment. In a multivariate analysis, hypertension (odds ratio [OR] = 2.411; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.284-4.524), dyslipaemia (OR = 2.433; 95% CI, 1.360-4.352) and HDL-cholesterol levels (OR = 0.971; 95% CI, 0.951-0.992) were independently associated with CHD in women, whereas in men dyslipaemia (OR = 3.453; 95% CI, 1.545-7.718) and cholesterol levels (OR = 0.987; 95% CI, 0.975-0.998) were. Conclusions. Hypertension and low levels of HDL-cholesterol levels are differentiating risk factors for coronary heart disease between men and women (AU)

Lipoproteína (a), dímero-D y apolipoproteína A-1 como indicadores de la presencia y gravedad de la enfermedad coronaria / Lipoprotein (a), D-Dimer and apolipoprotein A1 as markers of presence and severity of coronary disese

Fundamento y objetivo: Analizar la relación entre las concentraciones de marcadores lipídicos, hemostásicos e inflamatorios con la presencia y la gravedad de la enfermedad coronaria valorada angiográficamente. Pacientes y método: Se han estudiado 897 pacientes (629 varones y 268 mujeres) ingresados por presentar un episodio coronario agudo o por descartar enfermedad coronaria. Se les realizó una coronariografía según la técnica de Seldinger y una extracción sanguínea para determinar las concentraciones de marcadores lipídicos (colesterol total, cHDL [cholesterol high-density lipoproteins‘colesterol ligado a lipoproteínas de alta densidad’ ], triglicéridos, colesterol ligado a lipoproteínas de baja densidad, apolipoproteína [apo] A-I , apo B100, lipoproteína [a] [Lpa]), hemostásicos (fibrinógeno, dímero-D, factor tisular, inhibidor de la vía del factor tisular) e inflamatorios (proteína C reactiva [PCR] y recuento leucocítico). Resultados: Un total de 659 pacientes presentaron enfermedad obstructiva coronaria y 238 se consideraron controles. Los pacientes con obstrucción coronaria presentaron valores más elevados de Lp(a), dímero-D, PCR y leucocitos, e inferiores de cHDL y apo A-I. En el análisis multivariante, el sexo (odds ratio [OR] de 2,692; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%: 1,822 a 3,979), la dislipidemia (OR de 2,241; IC del 95%: 1,559 a 3,221), la hipertensión arterial (OR de 1,623; IC del 95%: 1,116 a 2,359), la diabetes (OR de 1,608; IC del 95%: 1,054 a 2,451), los leucocitos (OR de 1,181; IC del 95%: 1,082 a 1,288), la Lp(a) (OR de 1,205; IC del 95%: 1,079 a 1,346), el dímero-D (OR de 1,468; IC del 95%: 1,152 a 1,871) y la apo A-I (OR de 0,992; IC del 95%: 0,985 a 0,999) resultaron factores de riesgo independientes de la obstrucción coronaria. Al distribuir la muestra en 3 grupos atendiendo a la gravedad de la obstrucción, solamente la Lp(a) y el (...) (AU)

Background and objective: To examine the relationship between blood levels of lipids as well as haemostatic and inflammatory markers and the presence and severity of angiographically-evaluated coronary stenosis. Material and method: We included 897 patients (629 males and 268 females), aged 65.12±11.23 years, who were admitted to the hospital presenting an acute episode or to discard coronary heart disease. Each patient underwent coronariography using the Seldinger technique. Blood samples were drawn to analyze lipid [total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B100, lipoprotein (a)], haemostatic (fibrinogen, D-Dimer, tissue factor and tissue factor pathway inhibitor), and inflammatory (C-reactive protein, leukocyte count) markers. Results: Six hundred and fifty nine patients presented coronary stenosis and 238 were considered as controls. Patients with coronary stenosis presented higher values of lipoprotein (a), D-Dimer, C-reactive protein and leukocyte count and lower concentrations of HDLcholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 and total cholesterol than controls. In a multivariate analysis, sex (OR 2,692; IC95% 1,822–3,979), dislypemia (OR 2,241; IC95% 1,559–3,221), arterial hypertension (OR 1,623; IC95% 1,116–2,359), diabetes (OR 1,608; IC95%1,054–2,451), leukocyte count (OR 1,181; IC95% 1,082–1,288), lipoprotein (a) (OR 1,205 IC95% 1,079–1,346), D-dimer (OR 1,468 IC95% 1,152–1,871) and apolipoprotein A1 (OR 0,992 IC95% 0,985–0,999) were independent risk factors of coronary obstruction. Only lipoprotein (a) and D-dimer levels increased according to the severity of obstruction whereas apolipoproteín A1 and HDl cholesterol diminished. Conclusions: Our results suggest that lipoprotein (a), D-dimer and apolipoproteín A1 are significantly associated with the presence and severity of coronary stenosis (AU)

Valor predictivo de la lipoproteína (a) y la apolipoproteína A1 en pacientes con obstrucción coronaria valorada angiográficamente / Predictive value of lipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein A1 in patients with angiographycally evaluated coronary stenosis

Fundamento y objetivo: Analizar la relación entre las concentraciones de marcadores lipídicos, hemostáticos e inflamatorios con la presencia de obstrucción coronaria valorada angiográficamente. Pacientes y método: Se ha estudiado a 397 pacientes (267 varones y 130 mujeres) que ingresaron consecutivamente por presentar un episodio agudo o para descartar enfermedad coronaria. Se les realizó una coronariografía según la técnica de Seldinger, además de una extracción sanguínea para determinar las concentraciones de marcadores lipídicos ­colesterol total, colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de alta densidad (cHDL), triglicéridos, colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (cLDL), apolipoproteína A1, apolipoproteína B100, lipoproteína (a)­, hemostáticos (fibrinógeno y dímero D) e inflamatorios (proteína C reactiva y recuento leucocitario). Para valorar las diferencias entre los valores medios de las variables se utilizaron los tests de la t de Student y de la U de Mann-Whitney. Para las variables categóricas se empleó el test de la x2. Para determinar cómo influyen en la presencia de obstrucción coronaria los valores elevados de los diferentes parámetros estudiados, se utilizó la regresión logística. Resultados: Un total de 295 pacientes presentaron enfermedad obstructiva coronaria (grupo 1) y 102 presentaron obstrucciones no significativas (grupo 2). Los pacientes del grupo 1 tuvieron valores más elevados de lipoproteína (a), dímero D, proteína C reactiva y leucocitos, e inferiores de cHDL, apolipoproteína A1 y colesterol total. Al dicotomizar los parámetros estudiados en valores altos (cuarto cuartil) y bajos (primero-tercer cuartiles), los valores altos de lipoproteína (a) (odds ratio [OR] = 2,508; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 1,222-5,145) y apolipoproteína A1 (OR = 0,472; IC del 95%, 0,267-0,837) resultaron significativos en el modelo de regresión logística multivariante ajustado para sexo, tabaco y edad. Conclusiones: Los valores elevados de lipoproteína (a) se asocian de forma independiente con la presencia de obstrucción coronaria, mientras que los de apolipoproteína A1 ejercen un efecto protector

Background and objective: To examine the relationship between blood levels of lipids, hemostatic and inflammatory markers and the presence of angiographycally evaluated coronary stenosis. Patients and method: We included 397 consecutive patients (267 males and 130 females) who were admitted to the hospital because of an acute episode of chest pain. Each patient underwent a coronariography using the Seldinger technique. A blood sample was drawn to analyze lipids ­total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDLc), triglycerides, low density lipoproteins-cholesterol (LDLc), apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B100, lipoprotein (a)­, hemostatic (fibrinogen, D-dimmer), and inflammatory (C-reactive protein, leukocyte count) markers. To evaluate the differences between mean values of quantitative variables, the Student's t-test was used for parametric variables and the Mann Whitney U test for non-parametric variables. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test. A logistic regression analysis was employed to determine the influence of high levels of the studied parameters on the presence of coronary obstruction. Results: 295 patients had coronary stenosis (group 1) and 102 had not a significant obstruction (group 2). Patients with coronary stenosis had higher values of lipoprotein (a), D-dimmer, C-reactive protein and leukocyte count and lower HDLc, apolipoprotein A1 and total cholesterol. When markers were dichotomized in high values (fourth quartile) and low (first-third quartile), high lipoprotein (a) (odds ratio [OR] = 2.508; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.222-5.145) and apolipoprotein A1 levels (OR = 0.472; 95% CI, 0.267-0.837) were significant using the multivariate logistic regression model adjusted sex, tobacco and age. Conclusions: Among patients undergoing coronary angiography, high lipoprotein (a) levels are independently associated with the presence of coronary obstruction whereas high apolipoprotein A1 values show a protective effect

Lipoproteína(a), variables antropométricas, parámetros lipídicos y trombogénicos en la infancia / Lipoprotein(a), anthropometric measures, lipid and thrombogenic factors in children

Introducción. La lipoproteína(a) (Lp [a]) es un factor de riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular. El objetivo de nuestro estudio ha sido determinar la distribución de la Lp(a) en niños y su relación con variables antropométricas, factores lipídicos y trombogénicos. Material y métodos. Se determinaron las concentraciones séricas de Lp(a), colesterol total, triglicéridos, colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de alta densidad (cHDL) colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de baja densidad (cLDL), fibrinógeno, dímero-D e inhibidor del activador del plasminógeno (PAI-1); así como el peso y la talla, en 98 niños/as de 6-7 años, todos ellos supuestamente sanos. Resultados. Las concentraciones de Lp(a) variaron de 0,17 a 120 mg/dl, con una mediana y rango intercuartílico de 5,56 mg/dl (2,37-13,46). El 9,1% de los niños presentó concentraciones de Lp(a) superiores a 30 mg/dl, y los más elevados se encontraron en el grupo de niños con antecedentes familiares de enfermedad cardiovascular, sin llegar a ser la diferencia estadísticamente significativa. Encontramos una correlación positiva y significativa entre los valores de Lp(a) y de cLDL, y negativa y significativa con el peso. No encontramos correlación entre los valores de Lp(a) y los factores trombogénicos. Conclusiones. Teniendo en cuenta el efecto aditivo de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y después de observar los datos obtenidos, pensamos que debería considerarse la determinación de Lp(a) en los niños que presenten valores elevados de cLDL o antecedentes familiares de enfermedad cardiovascular (AU)

Introduction. Lipoprotein(a) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of Lp(a) levels in children and to evaluate its relationship with anthropometric measures, and lipid and thrombogenic factors. Material and methods. Serum levels of Lp(a), total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (cHDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (cLDL)-cholesterol, fibrinogen, D-dimer and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1), as well as weight and height, were measured in 98 apparently healthy boys and girls aged 6-7 years old. Results. Serum Lp(a) levels ranged from 0.17 to 120 mg/dl (median: 5.56 mg/dl; interquartile range: 2.37-13.46). Levels higher than 30 mg/dl were found in 9.1% of the children. Lp(a) concentrations were higher in the group of children with a family history of cardiovascular disease, although this difference was not statistically significant. A positive and significant correlation was found between Lp(a) levels cLDL and a negative and significant correlation was found with weight. No correlation was observed between Lp(a) levels and thrombogenic factors. Conclusions. In view of the additive effect of cardiovascular risk factors and the data obtained in this study, we believe that Lp(a) determination should be considered in children with high LDL-c levels or a family history of cardiovascular disease (AU)