Hypolipoproteinemia

Definition

Definition of Hypolipoproteinemia
Hypolipoproteinemia is defined as a lack of lipoprotein in the blood due to genetic or other diseases such as malnutrition and malabsorption.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Hypolipoproteinemia
Symptoms are associated more closely with the cause rather than the actual low blood fats.

Causes

Causes of Hypolipoproteinemia
Low blood fats can be the result of several diseases, or they can be a primary genetic disease with other associated abnormalities.

1. Malnutrition is a lack of food, including fats, in the diet.
2. Malabsorption is the inability of the bowel to absorb food, causing malnutrition.
3. Anemia (too few red blood cells) and hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) also reduce blood fats.
4. Rare genetic conditions called hypobetalipoproteinemia and abetalipoproteinemia cause malabsorption plus nerve, eye, and skin problems in early childhood.
5. Tangier disease, causes only the cholesterol to be low. It also produces nerve and eye problems in children.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Hypolipoproteinemia
It can be diagnosed via blood study that identifies fat particles. The patient must fast overnight to prevent interference from fat in the blood due to food intake.

Treatment

Treatment of Hypolipoproteinemia
Supplemental vitamin E helps children with the betalipoprotein deficiencies. There is no known treatment for Tangier disease. Treatment of the causes of the other forms of low blood fats reverses the condition.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Hypolipoproteinemia
Consult with your doctor.

Prevention

Prevention of Hypolipoproteinemia
Consult with your doctor.