Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein alterations in children and adolescents from Brazil: a prevalence meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) alterations in children and adolescents in Brazil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence. The search for articles was carried out in the databases: Medline (PubMed), Embase, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (Lilacs). The meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model. The I² test was used to identify heterogeneity. RESULTS: The present metanalysis revealed a significant prevalence of altered lipid profile in children and adolescents in Brazil. Regarding lipoprotein fractions, the prevalence of altered TC level was 27.47% (95% CI 24.36-30.82), and a smaller prevalence was observed for LDL cholesterol (19.29% – 95% CI 15.21-24.16). The models revealed high heterogeneity (I² = 99%; p < 0.01), however the precise source of it was not identified; although type of school, age group, year and the region of Brazil appeared to influence the estimations of altered lipid profiles. CONCLUSION: An important prevalence of lipid alterations was observed among Brazilian children and adolescents. Those results reinforce the importance of knowing the lipid profile of children and adolescents to perform early interventions for this public.