Abstract
A study of the plasma cholesterol fractions in acute infections has been reported. 1 This previous investigation included 12 children ranging in age from 18 months to 13 years. It was observed that the total cholesterol values were much less at the height of the infection than during the period of convalescence and that this reduction was due to a marked fall in the ester cholesterol. The free cholesterol changed very little.
Repeatedly, however, reference has been made to the statement that the response of the blood lipids to various factors might not be the same in the infant as in the older child. Plasma cholesterol is considered to be quite low in many infants. 2 Furthermore, a recent study has shown that infants with eczema tend to have a low serum cholesterol. 3 The influence of acute infection upon the already low values of cholesterol in normal and eczematous babies has not been recorded.
Fourteen infants ranging in age from 3 months to 13 months were chosen for this study. Six of the babies had infections of the upper respiratory tract but no eczema. Three had eczema and repeated acute respiratory infections. The remainder did not have eczema but were ill with pneumonia which represents a rather severe form of infection in the infant. The first blood sample was collected during the height of the disease. The second sample of blood was obtained during the period of recovery after the seventh day of normal temperature. All blood samples were drawn between 12 and 16 hours after a meal. Bloor's methods were followed to determine the total, ester, and free cholesterol values. 4 , 5 , 6
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.