Background/Purpose
Few studies have been conducted that make comparisons between traditional measures of cholesterol (LDL, HDL, triglycerides, non-HDL, total cholesterol) and the emerging risk factors of cholesterol subfractions. Additionally, only one study has compared LDL particle number, LDL particle size, and traditional measures among End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the relationships and differences in risk stratification of traditional measures when using National Cholesterol Educational Program guidelines compared to cholesterol particle number and size.
Methods
ESRD patients (N=1092) from clinics associated with the Central Texas Nephrology Associates were recruited to participate in this cross-sectional study.
Analysis/Results
LDL particle size categorized more patients at-risk when compared to LDL-C, non-HDL-C, HDL, and triglycerides. Pearson correlation coefficients revealed a strong significant correlation between LDL cholesterol and LDL particle number (r2=.908, p=.0001) and a weak, inverse but significant correlation between LDL particle number and LDL particle size (r2=-.290, p =.0001). A significant but weak correlation existed between LDL-C and LDL particle size (r2= .107, p=.0001). A significant correlation existed between LDL particle number and triglycerides (r2=.335, p=.0001) and a significant inverse correlation between LDL particle size and triglycerides (r2= -.500, p=.0001).
Conclusions
Our study seems to suggest that using LDL particle size may help to identify those who would not be considered at-risk using LDL-C, non-HDL-C, HDL or triglycerides alone. Reclassifying individuals using LDL particle size in this case may offer another means to identify at-risk patients and therefore modify therapeutic approaches.