Phytosterols Therapy in Children.

Studies have shown that phytosterols are effective to lower serum CT and LDL-C levels without affecting HDL-C but few data are available in children. Aim of this study is evaluate the effect of plant sterols intake in dyslipemic children.Methods: 33 patients (18 FH; 15 IperLp(a)-FCHL, 6-18 yrs) underwent phytosterols dietary supplementation (1,6-2 g/die) to check any lipoprotein profile and serum sterols change. The latter were tested using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with selective ion monitoring as previously reported; serum lipoprotein profile were checked by standard methods.The disorder diagnosis was based on familial background, LDL-R gene mutation detection, lipoprotein profile.Study design: Patients were submitted to lipid evaluation in basal condition on step I diet and two months after phytosterols intake.Results: 9/18 FH patients and 9/15 dyslipemic children resulted responders.CT and LDL-C reduction was 14,2 and 18,8 % in FH; while other dyslipemias showed a more relevant decrease of 16,7 and 27,5 % respectively. The lathosterol, desmosterol synthesis and campesterol, sitosterol, cholestanol absorbtion markers detection suggest a synthesis reduction and an absorption increase. An inverse correlation between lathosterol and campesterol levels is presently demonstrated:r=-0,22.Conclusion: A decrease of all biochemical markers is detected in 54% of all tested patients (50% in FH and 60% in the other dyslipemias ). Results are in agreement with preliminary reported data and suggest the relevance of monitoring patients in order to assess the responsiveness to phytosterols association to diet.