P-487: Lipoprotein(a) and clinical parameters in pediatric type 1 diabetes
P Rozwadowska-Kunecka, A Wołoszyn-Durkiewicz, M Okonek, G Gawlak, M MyśliwiecAbstract
Introduction
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a low-density lipoprotein–like particle characterized by apolipoprotein(a). Its plasma concentration is predominantly genetically determined (∼90%) and is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although Lp(a) has been extensively studied in adults, data in pediatric populations remain limited. In addition, its stability across childhood and pubertal development is still under discussion.
Objectives
To evaluate the association between Lp(a) levels and selected clinical and biochemical parameters in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Methods
This retrospective study included 516 children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) treated in the Department of Pediatrics, Diabetology and Endocrinology, University Clinical Center in Gdańsk, whose Lp(a) levels were measured. Clinical data included sex, age, body weight, pubertal stage assessed with Tanner Scale, age at diabetes onset, presence of diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis, family history of comorbidities, and selected laboratory parameters. Associations between Lp(a) and clinical and biochemical variables were assessed using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs).
Results
Among the study group, 12.79% of patients (n=66) had elevated levels of lipoprotein(a), defined as >0.5 g/L. Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) demonstrated a significant positive association between pubertal stage and Lp(a) levels (IRR 1.17; 95% CI 1.04–1.32; p = 0.008). A weak but statistically significant association was also observed between Lp(a) and LDL-C levels (IRR 1.01; 95% CI 1.00–1.02; p = 0.002). No significant associations were found for sex, age, body weight, age at diagnosis, diabetic ketoacidosis at onset, or family history (all p>0.05).
Conclusions
Pubertal stage is independently associated with higher Lp(a) levels in children with type 1 diabetes, suggesting that pubertal development may contribute to the stabilization of Lp(a) concentrations. A modest association with LDL-C, which is a significant cardiovascular risk factor, was also observed.