Friedewald and Martin–Hopkins formulae for estimating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in a Malagasy population

African Journal of Laboratory Medicine

 
 
Field Value
 
Title Friedewald and Martin–Hopkins formulae for estimating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in a Malagasy population
 
Creator Rakotonjafiniarivo, Faralahy H. Antsonantenaina, Tokinomenjanahary Rakotomalala, Mahefa S. Andriambelo, Rajo D. Ranaivosoa, Miora K.
 
Subject Biology low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; triglyceride; Friedewald formula; Martin–Hopkins formula; Madagascar
Description Background: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) estimation is commonly used in Madagascar due to cost-effectiveness. However, genetic variability and formula limitations may affect accuracy.Objective: To compare LDL-C estimated by the Friedewald and Martin–Hopkins formulae with directly measured LDL-C in a Malagasy population.Methods: LDL-C values estimated using both formulae were compared with direct LDL-C in 346 samples from patients ≥ 18 years analysed in a biochemistry laboratory. Samples were divided into four groups based on triglyceride levels: 1.13 mmol/L; 1.13 mmol/L – 1.69 mmol/L; 1.69 mmol/L – 2.26 mmol/L; ≥ 2.26 mmol/L.Results: Both formulae showed a strong, statistically significant correlation with direct LDL-C (r = 0.89). Mean comparison revealed overestimation by both formulae, more pronounced with Friedewald (mean difference 0.15 mmol/L) than Martin–Hopkins (0.21 mmol/L). Differences increased with rising triglyceride levels. Both formulae demonstrated good agreement with direct measurement, acceptable biases and similar limits, but Friedewald had a lower overall percentage error.Conclusion: The Friedewald formula showed better correlation, higher concordance and lower mean difference than Martin–Hopkins. Both formulae showed limitations depending on triglyceride concentration.What this study adds: This study evaluates Friedewald and Martin–Hopkins LDL-C estimation against direct measurement in a Malagasy population, highlighting their validity in Africa and implications for clinical decisions in resource-limited settings.
 
Publisher AOSIS
 
Contributor Biochemical laboratory of Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona University Hospital
Date 2026-02-09
 
Type info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion — —
Format text/html application/epub+zip text/xml application/pdf
Identifier 10.4102/ajlm.v15i1.3012
 
Source African Journal of Laboratory Medicine; Vol 15, No 1 (2026); 6 pages 2225-2010 2225-2002
 
Language eng
 
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https://ajlmonline.org/index.php/ajlm/article/view/3012/3444 https://ajlmonline.org/index.php/ajlm/article/view/3012/3445 https://ajlmonline.org/index.php/ajlm/article/view/3012/3446 https://ajlmonline.org/index.php/ajlm/article/view/3012/3447
 
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Rights Copyright (c) 2026 Faralahy H. Rakotonjafiniarivo, Tokinomenjanahary Antsonantenaina, Mahefa S. Rakotomalala, Rajo D. Andriambelo, Miora K. Ranaivosoa https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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