Optimizing Treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Children and Adolescents

Curr Cardiol Rep. 2015 Sep;17(9):629. doi: 10.1007/s11886-015-0629-1.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still the most prominent cause of death and morbidity in the world, and one of the major risk factors for developing CVD is hypercholesterolemia. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a dominantly inherited disorder characterized by markedly elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and premature coronary heart disease. Currently, several treatment options are available for children with FH. Lifestyle adjustments are the first step in treatment. If this is not sufficient, statins are the preferred initial pharmacological therapy and they have been proven effective and safe. However, treatment goals are often not achieved and, hence, there is a need for novel treatment options. Currently, several options are being studied in adults and first results are promising. However, studies in children are still to be awaited.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / genetics
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Genetic Testing / methods*
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Hypercholesterolemia / genetics
  • Hypercholesterolemia / prevention & control
  • Hypercholesterolemia / therapy*
  • Male
  • Medical History Taking / methods*
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Phenotype
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk Reduction Behavior*

Substances

  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors