FATTY ACID COMPOSITION OF SERUM CHOLESTEROL ESTERS, PHOSPHOLIPIDS AND TRIGLYCERIDES IN SERUM OF PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY INSUFFICIENCY

The concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids in serum and the fatty acid composition of these lipid fractions have been examined in 11 patients with respiratory insufficiency and the results compared with those of 30 healthy subjects of the same age. Total and esterified cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in the patients than in the controls. No significant differences were observed in triglycerides and phospholipids. In each lipid fraction linoleic acid percentages were significantly lower in the patients compared with the control group. The patients showed significantly higher percentages of oleic, palmitoleic and arachidonic acid in the cholesterol esters and phospholipids than the controls. Other differences between the two groups were of minor importance. The possible mechanisms for the variations in serum lipids in patients with respiratory insufficiency are discussed.