High density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol in children with asthma and allergic rhinitis

Serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol were studied in 15 children with allergic rhinitis, 45 asymptomatic asthmatic children and 16 children with acute asthmatic attacks. The latter were also studied in their asymptomatic phase. Two control groups of children with minor anatomical defects and those with acute pneumonia with respiratory distress were also studied. The serum concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly higher (p less than 0.001) and those of total cholesterol lower (p less than 0.001) in children with respiratory allergy when compared to controls. The concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol increased and that of total cholesterol decreased during acute asthma.