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• We determined serum lipid and lipoprotein percentiles from a total community study of 5,250 fasting children (35% black, 65% white), aged 2 to 19 years. A serum turbidity index was used as a rapid, inexpensive screening test for hyper-β-lipoproteinemia and hyper-pre-β-lipoproteinemia. Percentile grids for the turbidity index and serum total cholesterol and β-lipoprotein cholesterol levels may be used for either black or white children. Triglyceride and pre-β-lipoprotein cholesterol level percentile grids were reported by race because of lower levels in black children, while grids for α-lipoprotein cholesterol levels were reported separately by sex for black and white subjects. A five-step method was outlined for screening children for lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities. Those with hyper-β-lipoproteinemia and hyperpre-β-lipoproteinemia would be candidates for therapy and indicate screening of other family members, after secondary causes are excluded. ( AJDC 1984;138:379-387)

To assess relationships between increases in triceps skin-fold thickness (TRSF) and changes in levels of serum lipids and lipoproteins in early life, a biracial sample of 1,598 five to 12 year olds were reexamined five years after an initial examination. Significant positive correlations, controlled for age, were observed between changes in TRSF and changes in levels of serum total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and low- and very low—density lipoprotein cholesterol. Inverse associations between changes in TRSF and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were weaker, but also statistically significant. Although females showed the largest increases in TRSF, most associations were stronger in males. Increases in estimated percentage body fat and ponderal index (kilograms per cubic meter) were highly associated with changes in TRSF, but showed slightly different associations with the serum lipids and lipoproteins. Results show that increases in obesity in youth are accompanied by an increasingly atherogenic lipoprotein profile. (JAMA1985;254:515-520)