Abstract

In Cooley's anaemia the serum lipid fraction, determined by chemical analysis, was found to be decreased. The lipoprotein distribution by paper electrophoresis showed a characteristic pattern with abnormally low α₁ fraction and high concentrations of the β fractions. There is no relationship between age and serum lipoprotein distribution. A correlation was found between the electrophoretic pattern, liver function tests, and the E/C index. Similar changes but of lesser degree were found in sickle cell anaemia. Liver damage is thought to be the probable cause of the reduced α₁ fraction.