Sex differences in serum lidid levels in nigerian patients with nephrotic syndrome

Abstract

Background

The incidence of Nephrotic syndrome (NS) in Nigeria population remain undetermined. The sex differences in changes in lipoprotein levels in
NS. are not well defined. This study examines the sex differences in lipoprotein levels among Nigerian patients with the N.S.

Methods
Of 79 patients seen consecutively at the University of Nigeria teaching hospital with the N.S, 51(35 males, 16 females) had primary N.S. These
were studied with 48 (30males, 18females) control subjects. Their 24hr urinary protein and serum albumin were determined. Fasting blood
samples of patients and control subjects were used to determined serum, T.C, HDL, LDL, VLDL and T.G levels. These were done in batches
along with batch controls. The results were tabulated with respect to the sexes. Numerical data were compared with the student – t test, while X2 test was used for discrete variables. P<0.05 was significant.

Results
The result showed that serum albumin level were more markedly reduced in the females than the males, although not to significant levels. There
were no sex differences in the various lipid fraction among the nephrotics.
When compared to controls; in the males, LDL and T.G levels were significantly higher in the patients (P<0.05). In the females however T.G
and LDL were significantly higher among the patients (P<0.05).

Conclusions
The study showed that combined hyperlipidemia is associated with the female sex (T.G, LDL.) while LDL hypercholesterolaemia is commoner
with the male sex. The latter and the consequent increased risk of thrombotic event, poorer reponse to treatment, resistance to cyclosporine
therapy are highlighted.