Comparison of the lipid profiles of Cubans and other Hispanics with non-Hispanics

Article Abstract:

The levels of fat- or lipid-containing compounds (such as triglycerides, cholesterol, and others) in the blood are important in determining predisposition towards heart disease, diabetes, and other diseases. Although many ethnic groups have been extensively characterized with respect to blood lipid levels, relatively little is known about these levels in Hispanic Americans. Lipid levels have been shown to be different in Mexican Americans compared with non-Hispanics, but the large differences in culture, food intake patterns, and other factors among different Hispanic-American subgroups casts doubt on the degree to which that finding might be expected to generalize to other Hispanic groups. The population of southern Florida includes several different Hispanic subgroups, including a large number of Cuban Americans. To further characterize blood lipid levels in Cuban Americans, non-Cuban-American Hispanics, and non-Hispanics, a study was carried out involving 367 relatively healthy individuals (57 percent of whom were Hispanic) recruited through community notices. Blood samples were drawn for analysis of lipids, and blood was repeatedly sampled before and after oral glucose (a simple sugar) ingestion to evaluate glucose metabolism. Hispanic men and women both showed lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (the 'good' cholesterol) and higher triglyceride levels than non-Hispanics; this pattern was seen in both Cuban-Americans and non-Cuban-Americans. Hispanics tended to have higher waist-to-hip ratios, and showed evidence of disturbed glucose metabolism. The results suggest that the pattern of lipid levels is similar among the Hispanic subgroups and that disturbed glucose metabolism may be responsible for the altered lipid levels. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Demographic aspects, Blood lipids, Hispanic Americans, Cuban Americans

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Aggressive Approach in the Treatment of Acute Lead Encephalopathy With an Extraordinarily High Concentration of Lead

Article Abstract:

Many young children are still exposed to lead in the environment. A 3-year-old girl was hospitalized with progressively worsening visual acuity, difficulty walking and speaking, abdominal pain, and vomiting. She was also anemic and dehydrated. She was given fluids and discharged, but subsequently became lethargic and had difficulty walking. Analysis of blood samples revealed a lead concentration of 550 micrograms per deciliter. She received aggressive treatment with chelation therapy, bowel irrigation and gut decontamination and eventually recovered.

Case studies, Lead poisoning

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