Hypolipoproteinemia

Hypolipoproteinemia refers to unusually low levels of fats (lipids) in the blood. Low lipid levels may be caused by rare genetic conditions, or be a sign of another disorder such as overactive thyroid, anemia, undernutrition, cancer, chronic infection, or impaired absorption of foods from the digestive tract. Associated genetic disorders includes abetalipoproteinemia, familial hypobetalipoproteinemia, and chylomicron retention disease. Signs and symptoms in the the genetic or familial form of hypolipoproteinemia vary. In hypobetalipoproteinemia the low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels are very low, yet people with this syndrome typically have no symptoms nor require treatment. Other forms result in absent or near absent LDL levels and can cause serious symptoms in infancy and early childhood. Treatment for hypoproteinemia varies depending on the underlying cause and signs and symptoms present in each individual.