Hiperlipidemia e hipercolesterolemia en pacientes pediátricos de 2 a 8 años, con diagnóstico de síndrome nefrótico, tratados con corticoides durante el periodo 2021 - 2023 del Hospital General del Norte de Guayaquil Los Ceibos.

Abstract

Introduction: Abnormalities in lipid levels in nephrotic syndrome are linked to protein losses through urine. As hypoalbuminemia and proteinuria worsen, an increase in hepatic synthesis of lipoproteins is observed. This alteration in lipid metabolism increases the long-term cardiovascular risk due to the possibility of developing atherosclerosis in children with nephrotic syndrome. Statin treatment is only suggested in children over 10 years old who present persistent proteinuria, with regular monitoring of liver function and creatine kinase before and after initiating therapy, at 4-week intervals. Objective: To evaluate the relationship between high lipid and triglyceride levels in pediatric patients aged 2 to 8 years diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome treated with corticosteroids, from HGNG IESS Los Ceibos, during the period 2021 - 2023. Methodology: Quantitative, retrospective, observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study. Results: Although there is a marked elevation of total cholesterol in nephrotic syndrome, it is not at the expense of HDL and LDL, as these lipoproteins remained at acceptable levels. The main complication these patients experienced regarding dyslipidemias was acute renal failure, while infections and thromboembolism were associated with nephrotic syndrome. Elevation of triglycerides was more frequent in the age group of 6-8 years. No age group predominated high cholesterol levels, indicating that age is not a factor influencing elevated cholesterol levels. Both cholesterol and triglycerides are elevated by the same pathophysiological mechanisms inherent to the disease. The atherogenic risk of these patients was low, as 38% had values below 4.5, while only 28% were high. Keywords: Nephrotic Syndrome, Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipidemia, Pediatric Patients.