Cholesterol; Hypocholesterolemia-; Lipids; Non-cholesterol steroids

The aim of this study is to describe the changes of cholesterol metabolism in patients with acute medical disease. The study included 60 patients with acute medical disease solely on artificial nutrition. Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol were measured on days 0,3 and 7. Lathosterol, squalene, sitosterol and campesterol concentrations were determined on days 3 and 7. The metabolic parameters were compared with a control group.Results: We detected a statistically significant decrease in total chol.concentration, and lower plasma levels of LDL and HDL chol. A statistically significant decrease in lathosterol and campesterol plasma levels was detected. Sitosterol concentrations were lower but not significantly. The concentration of squalene was noted to be higher than in the control group.Concl.Our results show abnormalities in the chol.metabolism, including both arms of the cholesterol acquisition process, in patients with acute medical disease.