Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Familial hypercholesterolemia leads to elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from birth onwards due to a pathogenetic variation in genes in cholesterol metabolism. Early screening to identify and subsequently treat children with familial hypercholesterolemia is crucial to reduce the risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This review focuses on recent insights in the field of pediatric familial hypercholesterolemia.

RECENT FINDINGS: Screening in childhood and early initiation of optimal lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) have shown promising outcomes in the prevention of ASCVD. In addition, cost-effectiveness research has demonstrated highly favorable results. With the availability of novel therapies, familial hypercholesterolemia has become a well treatable disease.

SUMMARY: Children with familial hypercholesterolemia benefit from early detection and optimal treatment of their elevated LDL-C levels.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)126-132
Number of pages7
JournalCurrent opinion in lipidology
Volume35
Issue number3
Early online date15 Feb 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2024

Keywords

  • atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
  • children
  • familial hypercholesterolemia
  • screening
  • treatment

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