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PubMed2003

Inheritance of MHC class II genes in Lithuanian families with type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is caused by genetic and environmental factors. Twice as many fathers as mothers of children with type 1 DM have the disease. The reason for the differences remains unclear. We looked at the transmission rates of diabetes-related alleles from parents to children with diabetes. All children with newly diagnosed type 1 DM from August 1, 1996 to August 1, 2000, aged 0 to 15 years, in Lithuania were invited to participate. Blood samples for full genetic analysis were available from 125 families. HLA DQA1, DQB1, and DRB1 typing was done on DNA extracted from peripheral blood, by polymerase chain reaction amplification, manual dot-blotting onto nylon membranes, synthetic sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe 3'-end labeling with (32)P-dCTP, and hybridization, followed by stringency washes, autoradiography, and allele calling. Frequency of diabetes risk-related alleles DQB1*0302, DQA1*0201, DR4, and DR3 was less prevalent among Lithuanian than among Swedish children with type 1 DM. Transmission rates of DR4-DQB1*0302-DQA1*0301 and DR3-DQB1*0201-DQA1*0501 haplotypes from parents were higher than expected: chi(2) (TDT) 30.56, p < 0.0001, and chi(2) (TDT) 11.26, p = 0.0008, respectively. DQB1*0302 and DR4 were significantly more frequently transmitted from both parents, but DR3 was transmitted more frequently only from mothers. Any of these alleles had similar frequencies among female and male offspring. We conclude that, besides DR4-DQB1*0302-DQA1*0301 and DR3-DQB1*0201-DQA1*0501, there are other inherited alleles that determine risk for type 1 DM among children in Lithuania. Fathers might transfer other alleles of disease susceptibility in higher frequency or mothers might provide a protective environment during pregnancy, which results in higher risk to offspring of fathers than mothers to develop diabetes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Distribution of deaths from ischemic heart disease and stroke. Environmental and aging influences in men and women.

UNLABELLED: The goal of this study was to check: 1) links between month of the year (1-12), monthly solar activity (SA) and monthly geomagnetic activity (GMA) with the temporal distribution of deaths from ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke in Israel and Lithuania (48 months); 2) related age and gender differences; 3) temporal connection between deaths from IHD and suicide and their relationship to SA and GMA, as was suggested in our previous study in Israel. RESULTS: Total deaths from IHD in Lithuania showed a trend towards a link with SA (r = 0.25, p = 0.09) and a highly significant correlation for females (r = 0.37, p = 0.00096) but not for males. Age < 74 showed no correlation with SA or GMA in females, but a negative correlation with SA in males (r = -0.513, p = 0.0002). At age > 74 both females (r = 0.467, p = 0.0006, n = 20763) and males (r = 0.476, p = 0.0006, n = 14682) showed a highly significant correlation with SA and a negative correlation with 1-12 months of the year, with deaths concentrating at the beginning of the year (r = -0.32, p = 0.002). Number of monthly suicide and IHD deaths were negatively related to each other (r = -0.45, p = 0.0014). CONCLUSIONS: 1) Around age 70 an increasingly positive relationship between the temporal distribution of deaths from IDH and SA is seen. 2) Gender differences in links to SA are partially a consequence of the higher number of deaths in females from IHD at age > 74.3) Monthly number of suicides is inversely related to number of deaths from IHD.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2002

Cosmic rays activity and monthly number of deaths: a correlative study.

We studied the relation between the intensity of cosmic rays, the level of solar/geomagnetic activity, and the monthly numbers of deaths in a large hospital in Israel and in all Lithuania. The Israeli data include 30526 hospital deaths, two groups of fatal suicides (2359, 2763), and 15435 suicidal attempts for two periods of 108 and 236 consecutive months. The national data for the entire Republic of Lithuania include 424925 deaths for the period of 120 consecutive months. Cosmic rays intensity was measured by an Apatity neutron monitor. We obtained the data on solar, geomagnetic radiovawe propagation, ionosphere ionization hours, proton flux of two energy levels (>90 and 60 MeV) from the National Geophysical Data Center at Goddard Space Flight Center, National Space Environment Center at Boulder, Colorado, USA, and from the Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism, Ionosphere and Radio Wave Propagation (IZMIRAN), Russia. We calculated Pearson coefficients and their probabilities for correlation between monthly space activity level and monthly number of male and female deaths from different causes. Cosmic rays activity revealed significant negative correlation with solar/geomagnetic activity indices and related physical phenomena levels. This activity strongly correlated with flux of protons with the energies >90 MeV proton flux and did not exhibit significant correlation with 60 MeV proton fluxes. Cosmic rays intensity correlation with monthly numbers of deaths was strong for noncardiovascular deaths, suicides, and traffic accidents. The correlation was much weaker for deaths caused by ishemic heart disease and strokes.

Accidents↗
PubMed2003

Temporal distribution of death among oncology patients: environmental links.

BACKGROUND: The natural history of terminal oncologic disease is death from cardiopulmonary arrest. The goal of this study was to determine whether the temporal distribution of death among oncology patients is related to levels of environmental physical activity-solar, geomagnetic, and cosmic rays and high energy space proton flux, as previously shown for other situations like accidents, suicide, and the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction. EXPERIMENTAL: Deaths of oncology patients, n = 102604, in 168 consecutive months were compared with-monthly indices of solar, geomagnetic, cosmic rays activity (sunspot number, solar flux, Ap, Cp, Am), and indices of magnetic and cosmic rays activity according to neutron monitor data). In addition, oncology patients monthly death numbers were compared with numbers of deaths from ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, sudden cardiac death (SCD), accidents, road accidents, non cardiovascular death (total deaths - [IHD + stroke]). The National Data of the Republic of Lithuania was used, excluding SCD and myocardial infarction in Kaunas--the second largest city in Lithuania Monica study register was used for SCD at age 25-64, and all data of AMI. Pearson correlation coefficients and their probabilities were obtained between the numbers of oncology patient monthly deaths and (1) cosmo-physical indices and (2) the number of deaths from other causes and the occurrence of AMI. RESULTS: The number of oncology patient deaths was inversely correlated with solar and geomagnetic activity indices and positively correlated with cosmic rays activity. The number of oncology patient deaths was correlated with monthly number of deaths from non-cardiovascular courses, stroke, suicide, at trend level with SCD, but not with deaths from IHD, accidents, road accidents. Oncology patient deaths showed a significant correlation with the number of AMI. CONCLUSION: The monthly death number of oncology patients is significantly related with environmental physical activity and shows similarity with deaths distribution by time of some other groups of death--stroke, SCD, suicide, and occurrence of AMI. The inverse correlation with solar and geomagnetic activity and positive links with cosmic rays activity level are remarkable.

Accidents↗
PubMed2003

Incidence of type 1 diabetes in Lithuanians aged 0-39 years varies by the urban-rural setting, and the time change differs for men and women during 1991-2000.

OBJECTIVE: Type 1 diabetes has been associated with factors related to welfare and social class. During the past decade, Lithuania has experienced a transition period, leading to dramatic changes in the socioeconomic structure of the society. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Incidence in the group aged 0-39 years by urban-rural setting (cities >100000 inhabitants, towns, and rural areas), period (1991-1995 and 1996-2000), age, and sex were studied using Poisson regression. RESULTS: The age- and sex-standardized incidence per 100000 inhabitants per year was higher in men aged 0-39 years than in women (9.5 and 6.9, respectively, incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.39, P < 0.001). Incidence was lower in rural areas than in towns and cities (7.1, 9.0, and 8.8, respectively, P < 0.001). The urban-rural differences in incidence were most marked among children aged 0-9 years. From 1991-1995 to 1996-2000, the overall incidence increased from 8.7 to 10.5 (IRR = 1.22, P = 0.001) in men and from 6.2 to 7.8 (IRR = 1.25, P = 0.002) in women. For men, the increase over time occurred predominantly in the cities, from 8.4 to 11.8 (IRR = 1.40, P < 0.001), and in the older age-groups. In contrast, for women, the incidence increased more in small towns and rural areas, from 5.8 to 7.7 (IRR = 1.33, P = 0.003), and in the younger age-groups. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of type 1 diabetes in Lithuania differs depending on the urban-rural setting, and the pattern of change over time differs between the sexes, both by urban-rural setting and age-group. The findings support the theory that lifestyle-related factors connected to socioeconomic status are important for the occurrence of type 1 diabetes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Malaria among seamen in Klaipeda during 1973-1998.

The number of people from Klaipeda and surroundings who before 1990 were employed in the shipping and fishing industry was about 10,000. At that time, from 3,000 to 5,000 seafarers and fishermen travelled each year to malaria endemic countries of Africa, Asia and South America. Until 1973, malaria infections among seafarers in Lithuania occurred only sporadically, because ships based in Klaipeda very seldom sailed to ports in Africa. In the years 1973 - 1998, there were 113 cases of malaria registered in Klaipeda (P. falciparum 86, P. malarie 6, P.ovale 8, P. vivax 13). The diagnosis of 79 infections was confirmed by laboratory examinations in Klaipeda, and the remaining cases were confirmed by laboratory examination conducted in other places. Out of this number, there were 99 infections of seafarers and fishermen, and 14 infections were recorded in soldiers returning from Afghanistan. In 1979 - 1987, there were 4 fatal cases of malaria reported: 3 seafarers died in Cameroon, Angola and Byelarussia, and one died in Klaipeda. At present, each year only about 500 seafarers travel to malarious areas in the tropics. There is no local transmission of malaria in Lithuania.

Female↗
PubMed2002

[Trends in the prevalence of risk factors of noncommunicable diseases during 1987-1999].

The trends in the prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, overweight and smoking among Lithuanian rural population were assessed from 1987 to 1999. Three independent surveys in 1987, 1993 and 1999 were carried out in five rural regions of Lithuania in random samples of men and women aged 25-64 involving 2695, 1550 and 1838 persons respectively. The risk factors were defined according to the WHO criteria. During the 13 years the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and overweight has significantly decreased among men (by 23.2% and 4.9% respectively) as well as among women (by 19.9% and 10.7% respectively). The prevalence of hypertension among women has decreased by 9.1%, with no significant changes among men. The prevalence of smoking has increased by 8.9% among women and has not changed among men. Age was positively correlated with the prevalence of all risk factors, except smoking. Younger persons smoked more often than elderly did. Prevalence of risk factors varied by educational level. Hypertension and overweight have been more prevalent among women with incomplete secondary education, than among those with university education. The prevalence of overweight and hypercholesterolaemia has been higher among highly educated men compared to low educated. The inverse relationship between smoking and education has been observed in men. In conclusion, the decreasing trends in the prevalence of some risk factors have been estimated in Lithuania within last decade. Sociodemographic differences in the prevalence of risk factors should be taken into account while developing health promotion and diseases prevention programmes.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Ecological monitoring of population mortality in Kaunas micro-districts, 1992-1997].

In Lithuania, the mortality rate is constantly increasing. However, regional differences of mortality rates in a large industrial town were unexplored. The study was carried out in Kaunas, second biggest town of Lithuania with a well-developed industry, as well as high atmospheric air pollution. Harmful effects of the regional environmental complex (dustiness, carbon monoxide, sulfur and nitrogen dioxides) were evaluated by summarized pollution index. Causes of death were taken from certificates of death for 1992-1997. In the study, the 9th revision of International Classification of Diseases and the European age standard were used. Mortality was studied in three microdistricts with threefold differences in levels of air pollution. The age-adjusted death rate (SMR) from all causes in a relatively clean microdistrict--D3 (SMR = 1720.5 +/- 60.4) is higher than the same indicator of microdistricts with developed industry--D1 (SMR = 1446.5 +/- 102.1) or heavy traffic--D2 (SMR = 1402.7 +/- 86.2). In terms of cause-specific mortalities, there is a prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and neoplasms. The SMR from circulatory system disorders (ICD-9 390-459) in D3 is equal 562 +/- 56.1, compared to D2--509.7 +/- 63.9 and D1--479.7 +/- 79.2. Neoplasms (ICD-9 140-239) are ranked second in the list of causes of deaths. They account for 244.8 +/- 32.0 per 100,000 population in D3, 184.4 +/- 40.8 in D2 and 221.1 +/- 47.6 in D1, respectively. The overall mortality of the population did not relate to the levels of outdoor pollution. Circulatory disorders and neoplasms are the main cause of death. In a polluted micro district risk of death for a young person is higher, irrespective of accidents, injuries and poisonings.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Complexity of help to children with developmental disabilities in the context of the establishment of Early Rehabilitation Services].

During of the years of restoration of independence of Lithuania a new model of services for children with developmental disorders was designed by Vilnius Child Development Center and Clinic of Social Pediatrics and Child Psychiatry, Vilnius University, and started to be implemented throughout all the country. Analysis of current situation of early intervention services in Lithuania is presented. The study was carried at the four randomly selected early intervention services. Patients and specialists of early intervention services together with patients and specialists of polyclinics where the services are located were interviewed using the questionnaires developed by the authors. Complexity of views of services providers and consumers together with the aspects of distribution of the information about the early intervention services and cooperation of early intervention services with other professionals was analysed. Data of the focus groups discussions with the specialists of early intervention services and analysis of the case histories are also presented. The data reflected the problems of the process of establishing the new services, period of creation and difficulties of working with children having severe disturbances and their families. Diagnosing and treatment of motor disabilities were dominating while emotional and behavioral disorders were underdiagnosed, case histories lacked complexity of the biopsychosocial view. Recommendations for the ways for future development are provided stressing the importance of seeking more complex interventions including psychosocial aspects of child development and family counseling.

Child↗
PubMed2002

[Clinical analysis of the patients with mumps].

Mump morbidity in Lithuania and the City of Siauliai has rapidly increased in 1999; 5946 and 879, respectively. During the past decade, the number of cases was much lower: in Lithuania from 383 to 632, and in the City of Siauliai from 6 to 31. There were 87 cases of mumps diagnosed (M-72, F-15). The age of patients was 15-42 years. Most patients were 15-20 years old. The majority of patients was admitted to the department in spring and summer. The most common acute symptoms of mumps were: fever (97.70%) and painful enlargement of the salivary glands (71.26%). Rare symptoms were: painful swallowing, weakness, nausea and vomiting. Orchitis was observed in 43 patients (59.72% of male) and increasing of amylases in 52 patients (59.77%). Meningitis developed in 15 patients while 1 of them had cochleoneuritis, which led to deafness. The duration of treatment in hospital was 3-39 days (avg. 8.29). Two pregnant women were treated with mumps in our department. The condition of their fetus was not affected.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Resources for development of training in public health and health managment in Eastern Europe: the Kaunas experience.

The aim of this paper is to review the resources and steps required for development and evaluation of training in public health and management of public health as experienced in Kaunas University of Medicine, Lithuania. The transition from Departments of Social Medicine and Hygiene to a Faculty of Public Health of international standards requires a process of adaptation and development of human resources more than physical facilities. After restoration of independence in 1990, rapid development of training in public health was started in Lithuania. Great support was provided by the international projects Baltic Rim Partnership for Public Health (BRIMHEALTH) and European Union Trans-European Mobility Scheme for University Students (TEMPUS). Undergraduate and postgraduate training programs were successfully implemented in the Faculty of Public Health, Kaunas University of Medicine. Lithuanian experience could serve as an example of success and pitfalls in training a critical mass of professionals who should act as powerful advocates for health, promoting analysis, continuity and success of public health interventions, and health care reforms in countries in transition.

Curriculum↗
PubMed2003

[Herbal medicinal preparations in the Lithuanian market].

Today phytopreparations take important place in the modern therapy. There are 6475 medicinal preparations registered in Lithuania (2 January, 2003). Out of them, 7.38 % or 482 are preparations herbal and animal origin. Lithuanian companies produce the biggest part of these drugs. Tea is the most popular drug form produced from medicinal plants. There are 4 producers of medicinal teas in Lithuania: "Acorus Calamus", "Svencioniu vaistazoles", "Herba Humana" and "Karvelio terapijos-fitoterapijos imone". Preparations of herbal origin are generally used in treatment of digestive, respiratory tract, and nervous system problems. Twenty-six different drug forms are produced from medicinal plants.

Digestive System Diseases↗
PubMed2003

[The research of quality of patient counselling and resources of pharmaceutical information in community pharmacy].

THE OBJECTIVE: To learn patients opinion about quantity and quality of patient counselling in pharmacy. Also, to explore usage of pharmacy information systems (PIS) in pharmacies; find out internet usage in pharmacy daily activities and it's determinants. METHODS: Random anonymous questionnaire method. RESULTS: Obtained answers indicated, that in pharmacy patients receive essential information about medicines usage, however, explanatory information is not sufficient. All pharmacies in Lithuania daily use PIS, more than a half of market is occupied by "Skaitos kompiuteriu servisas" PIS ("SKS Vaistai"). Sixty percent of Lithuanian pharmacies have internet connection; 50% of all personnel of pharmacies use internet in their work. In this time pharmacies of Lithuania are not satisfied of with any PIS, and attempt to compensate shortage of information in other ways.

Community Pharmacy Services↗
PubMed2003

[The directions of the activity of the Society of Lithuanian Pharmacists in 1922-1940].

The aim of this work is to examine the directions of the activity of the Society of Lithuanian Pharmacists in 1922-1940. When preparing this work archive documents, the publications of the magazine "Pharmaceutical News" and other periodical press was investigated. In the independent Republic of Lithuania (1918-1940) four professional pharmaceutical organizations were active. The most influential one was the Society of Lithuanian Pharmacists, established on September 18, 1922, where only owners of pharmacies could become its real members. This organization united about 80% of owners of pharmacies in all the country. The main directions of the activity of the Society were the following: active participation in the creation of a legitimate basis of pharmacy, concern for the interests and ethics of its members, publication, participation in an international activity. The Society of Lithuanian Pharmacists belonged to the International Pharmaceutical Federation (IPF), and established the Society of Baltic Pharmacists together with societies of Latvian and Estonian pharmacists in 1938. The Society of Lithuanian Pharmacists paid great attention to the problems of professional ethics and it used to fight with the so called "soiled competition". The Court of Honour was established for this purpose which tried the violations of ethics by the members of the society. The magazine "Pharmaceutical News" was being published in common with the Union of Lithuanian Pharmacists in 1923-1940. It was the main professional pharmaceutical magazine in Lithuania which reflected pharmaceutical problems of that time, was concerned with the ways to solve them and the activity of organizations. The Society of Lithuanian Pharmacists became stronger and stronger gradually, gained bigger and bigger authority and extended the directions of its activity. Moreover, it started to take care of the heritage of pharmaceutical history and charity as well. In particular, the Society of Lithuanian Pharmacists established the museum of an ancient Lithuanian pharmacy, financially supported the Society of Lithuanian Pharmacy Students and other organizations. When Lithuanian was occupied by the Soviet Union, the activity of all societies was ceased, societies of Lithuanian pharmacists stopped functioning on September 13, 1940 as well.

History of Pharmacy↗
PubMed2003

Mycological and mycotoxicological evaluation of grain.

Grain storage conditions affect its quality. In Lithuania, different types of farms have various harvesting, processing and storing conditions. Grain samples were tested from agricultural granaries of 3 different types with different grain storage conditions in Lithuania. During March-April in 2001 the investigation on mycological and mycotoxicological state of stored grain from different types of agricultural granaries were performed. Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) samples (n = 33) were tested from small, medium and large granaries. Barley (Hordeum distichon L.) (n = 22) was tested from small and medium granaries. Considering this issue, 31 species of micromycetes ascribed to 8 genera were isolated and identified. The results obtained indicate that highest levels of micromycetes contamination are found in small granaries with good storing and drying equipment. Micromycetes of some species belonging to the Penicillium Link, Aspergillus Mich. Ex Fr., Fusarium Link, and other genera, are able to produce secondary metabolites - mycotoxins of various compositions that are toxic to plants, animals, and humans. The levels of mycotoxins zearalenone and ochratoxin A were established. The highest concentration of zearalenone and ochratoxin A were found in grains from small farm granaries.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2004

[The survey of Lithuanian physicians and medical residents regarding possible migration to the European Union].

The aim of this survey was to evaluate intentions of Lithuanian physicians and medical residents to work in the European Union (EU) and other countries. The survey was performed in 2002 in the framework of the project "Health human resource development and planning in Lithuania", sponsored by Open Society Fund, Lithuania. Using the questionnaire developed by the Ministry of Labor and Solidarity of France, 242 medical residents and 497 physicians were surveyed. Survey results indicated that 60.7% of medical residents and 26.0% of physicians intended to leave for the EU or other countries. The survey also showed that the first-choice countries were United Kingdom, Germany and the Nordic countries. Almost 15.0% of medical residents and 5.0% of physicians planed to leave for the EU on permanent basis. The largest part of those who intended to leave for the EU, planned to go there after accession. It was a definitive decision of 2.5% of medical residents and 3.8% of physicians. The major reasons for leaving were higher salary, better professional possibilities and better quality of life. For medical residents a previous visit abroad for professional reasons increased the risk of working abroad significantly (OR-3.29, 95% CI 1.73-6.27). In the case of physicians, age was the factor that significantly decreased the risk (OR-0.94, 95% CI 0.91-0.96); however having friends abroad increased the risk by more than three times (OR-3.22, 95% CI 1.91-5.42). In order to observe the possible migration to the EU or other countries, the survey should be repeated every three-four years.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[The changes of characteristics of burn injuries and treatment data of burned adults in Kaunas University of Medicine Hospital in 1981-2001].

About 8000 people get burned in Lithuania every year; over 2000 of them have to be hospitalized. About 500 adults and children, who have heavy burn accidents, are treated in the specialized burn centers in Kaunas and Vilnius. With the flow of time, causes of burn accidents change; new treatment methods appear and are applied, the duration of treatment in the hospital as well as other burn accident data change. Consequently we can conclude that in Lithuania as well as all over the world burns are considered to be a serious medical, psychological, economic and social problem. A retrospective 723 in-patient case study was carried out in order to analyze accident and treatment data. The article deals with accident and in-patient treatment data analysis of the adults hospitalized in 1981, 1985, 1991, 1995 and 2001 at the Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns of Kaunas University of Medicine. In 1981, 1985, 1991, 1995 and 2001, respectively 156, 116, 174, 173 and 106 burn accident adult patients were treated. In all years number of burned male patients was twice higher than of female patients. It was noticed that in most cases people of the employable age got burned; the average age of patients 41.3 years. The main source of burns was flame (47.2%); town inhabitants got burned two times more frequently than villagers. It was found that the number of burns with hot liquids increased. The number of unemployed patients increased as well. The absolute majority of patients were treated due to deep burns (87.55%), the total average of burned area decreased from 12.66% in 1981 to 10.99% in 2001. The number of patients undergoing an operation has grown. Active surgery tactics and early operations gave the possibility to decrease almost twice the duration of in-patient treatment in 2001 in comparison to 1981. The time till the first operation decreased from 19.1 days in 1981 to 7 days in 2001.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2004

[Pathobiological determinants of atherosclerosis in youths: data from a macromorphometric and histomorphometric investigation of the aorta and coronary arteries].

We present a review of data from epidemiological and morphological studies carried out in Kaunas of atherosclerosis in youths. Since 1985, Kaunas has been a Collaborating Center involved with the World Health Organization and International Society and Federation of Cardiology studying the pathobiological determinants of atherosclerosis in youth. During the pilot study (1985-1987), we estimated the prevalence and extent of atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta and coronary arteries correlated to various risk factors in Kaunas residents aged 5 to 44 years. Within the framework of this international study, we compared histomorphometric characteristics of arteries collected from trauma victims aged 5 to 34 years in Budapest (Hungary), Heidelberg (Germany), Kaunas (Lithuania), Yaounde (Cameroon), and Mexico City (Mexico). These data revealed that males from countries with a high mortality from ischemic heart disease (Hungary, Lithuania, Germany) tended to have thicker intima in the thoracic and abdominal aorta and left anterior descending coronary artery than did males from countries with low mortality from ischemic heart disease (Mexico, Cameroon). We detected an increased mean intimal thickness of the abdominal aorta in male smokers aged 25-34 years. Males with hypertension aged 15-24 and 25-34 years had a thicker intima in the aorta and left anterior descending coronary artery than normotensive males. The morphological and epidemiological studies of atherosclerosis in youths carried out in Kaunas demonstrated that aortic and coronary atherosclerotic lesions appeared as early as childhood and advanced until the lesions become clinically apparent in adulthood. Histomorphometric findings support the postulate that increased intimal thickness can be considered a structural determinant of atherogenesis. These data draw attention to the means for the primary prevention of atherosclerosis in youth.

Adolescent↗