[Cardiovascular risk in the pediatric population. Plasma fatty acid levels].

Thirty-seven offspring of patients who had acute myocardial infarctions were investigated. Serum fatty acids of the whole plasma lipids were evaluated within the frame of a full biochemical assessment. Baseline values were obtained and the children were subsequently put on appropriate diets and advised to cut-out smoking and alcohol. The same values were obtained following one year on such a regimen. Results were compared with those found in a control group. Baseline palmitoleic and dihomogammalinolenic acid serum levels were significantly raised in the study group. Values of palmitoleic, but not of dihomogammalinolenic acid, had returned to normal by the reassessment one year later.