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Clinical features of type III hyperlipoproteinemia: analysis of 64 patients

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Summary

The clinical and biochemical characteristics of type III hyperlipoproteinemia are described in 64 patients (35 males and 29 females). Homozygosity for apolipoprotein E2, the presence of an abnormally cholesterol-rich very low density lipoprotein fraction (β-VLDL) and an elevated ratio of very low density lipoprotein cholesterol to plasma triglycerides (>0.3; normal ratio about 0.2) were the basis for the diagnosis. Mean serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations at the first visit in the clinic were 426 ± 221 and 719 ±996 mg/dl, respectively. The mean age at diagnosis of the disorder was 49 years in males and 53 years in females. There was a high prevalence of obesity (72%), xanthomas (42%), and atherosclerosis (39%), especially peripheral vascular disease (31%). Early and correct diagnosis of this familial lipoprotein disorder seems necessary because of the prompt and beneficial response to therapeutic interventions.

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Abbreviations

Apo:

apolipoprotein

BMI:

body mass index

CAD:

coronary artery disease

HDL:

high-density lipoproteins

HLP:

hyperlipoproteinemia

HMG CoA:

3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A

LDL:

low-density lipoproteins

Lp(a):

lipoprotein (a)

PVD:

peripheral vascular disease

TG:

triglycerides

VLDL:

very low density lipoproteins

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medizinische Klinik der Universität Heidelberg, Abteilung Innere Medizin I Endokrinologie und Stoffwechsel, Bergheimer Strasse 58, W-6900, Heidelberg, Germany

    G. Feussner

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  1. G. Feussner
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  2. A. Wagner
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  3. B. Kohl
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  4. R. Ziegler
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Medizinische Klinik der Universität Heidelberg, Abteilung Innere Medizin I, Schwerpunkt Endokrinologie and Stoffwechsel

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Feussner, G., Wagner, A., Kohl, B. et al. Clinical features of type III hyperlipoproteinemia: analysis of 64 patients. Clin Investig 71, 362–366 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00186624

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