Reference ranges for the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in Japanese children and adolescents

Aim: the aim of this study was to identify the age and sex-specific reference ranges for the non-highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (non-hdlc) levels in japanese children. methods: the subjects included 441,431 schoolchildren (207,015 boys,234,416 girls) 9-16 years of age who participated in a screening and care program for lifestyle-related diseases from 2006 to 2011. the serum total cholesterol (tc),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (hdl-c) and triglyceride (tg) levels were measured,and the non-hdl-c levels were calculated. the serum lipid levels were analyzed according to age and sex. results: the overall mean non-hdl-c level was 105.7 ± 24.0 mg/dl,with a sex difference: boys = 103.0 ± 24.0 mg/dl and girls = 108.2 ± 23.8 mg/dl. in boys,the median non-hdl-c level decreased gradually from 104 mg/dl in the 9-year-old age group to 96 mg/dl in the 15-year-old age group. the 75th percentile level was approximately 120 mg/dl in the 9- to 11-year-old groups and decreased at approximately 113 mg/dl in the 12- to 15-year-old groups,whereas the 95th percentile level was approximately 150 mg/dl in the 9- to 11-year-old groups and decreased at approximately 140 mg/dl in the 13- to 15-year-old groups. in girls,the median non-hdl-c level remained unchanged at approximately 105 mg/dl,with 75th and 95th percentile levels of approximately 122 and 150 mg/ dl,respectively. conclusions: the non-hdl-c levels vary by age and sex. the age- and sex-specific reference ranges for the non-hdl-c levels may be a valuable tool for management with respect to preventing the development of atherosclerosis in childhood. © 2015,japan atherosclerosis society. all rights reserved.