Familial chylomicronemia syndrome: case reports of siblings with deletions of the GPIHBP1 gene.

BACKGROUND: Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare monogenic form of severe hypertriglyceridemia, caused by mutations in genes involved in triglyceride metabolism. Herein, we report the case of a Korean family with familial chylomicronemia syndrome caused by compound heterozygous deletions of glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 (GPIHBP1). CASE PRESENTATION: A 4-year-old boy was referred for the evaluation of severe hypertriglyceridemia (3734 mg/dL) that was incidentally detected 4 months prior. His elder brother also demonstrated an elevated triglyceride level of 2133 mg/dL at the age of 9. Lipoprotein electrophoresis revealed the presence of chylomicrons, an increase in the proportion of pre-beta lipoproteins, and low serum lipoprotein lipase levels. The patient's parents and first elder brother had stable lipid profiles. For suspected FCS, genetic testing was performed using the next-generation sequencing-based analysis of 31 lipid metabolism-associated genes, which revealed no pathogenic variants. However, copy number variant screening using sequencing depth information suggested large heterozygous deletion encompassing all the coding exons of GPIHBP1. A real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to validate the deletion site. The results showed that the siblings had two heterozygous copy number variants consisting of the whole gene and an exon 4 deletion, each inherited from their parents. During the follow-up period of 17 months, the patient did not develop pancreatitis, following dietary intervention. CONCLUSION: These siblings' case of familial chylomicronemia syndrome caused by rare GPIHBP1 deletions highlight the implementation of copy number variants-beyond next-generation sequencing-as an important consideration in diagnosis. Accurate genetic diagnosis is necessary to establish the etiology of severe hypertriglyceridemia, which increases the risk of pancreatitis.

Validation of the familial chylomicronaemia syndrome (FCS) score in an ethnically diverse cohort from UK FCS registry: Implications for diagnosis and differentiation from multifactorial chylomicronaemia syndrome (MCS).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Prognosis and management differ between familial chylomicronaemia syndrome (FCS), a rare autosomal recessive disorder, and multifactorial chylomicronaemia syndrome (MCS) or severe mixed hyperlipidaemia. A clinical scoring tool to differentiate these conditions has been devised but not been validated in other populations. The objective of this study was to validate this score in the UK population and identify any additional factors that might improve it. METHODS: A retrospective validation study was conducted using data from 151 patients comprising 75 FCS and 76 MCS patients. All participants had undergone genetic testing for genes implicated in FCS. Validation was performed by standard methods. Additional variables were identified from clinical data by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: At the recommended FCS score threshold ≥10 points, the sensitivity and specificity of the score in the UK population were 96% and 75%, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.88 (95% CI 0.83-0.94, p < 0.001). This study identified non-European (predominantly South Asian) ethnicity, parental consanguinity, body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2, and recurrent pancreatitis as additional positive predictors, while BMI >30 kg/m2 was found to be a negative predictor for FCS. However, inclusion of additional FCS predictors had no significant impact on performance of standard FCS score. CONCLUSIONS: Our study validates the FCS score in the UK population to distinguish FCS from MCS. While additional FCS predictors were identified, they did not improve further the score diagnostic performance.

[A case of neonatal-onset type I hyperlipoproteinemia with bloody ascites]. / æ–°ç”Ÿå„¿æœŸèµ·ç— ä¼´è¡€æ€§è ¹æ°´çš„â 型高脂蛋白血症1例.

This report presents a case of a male infant, aged 32 days, who was admitted to the hospital due to 2 days of bloody stools and 1 day of fever. Upon admission, venous blood samples were collected, which appeared pink. Blood biochemistry tests revealed elevated levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol. The familial whole genome sequencing revealed a compound heterozygous variation in the LPL gene, with one variation inherited from the father and the other from the mother. The patient was diagnosed with lipoprotein lipase deficiency-related hyperlipoproteinemia. Acute symptoms including bloody stools, fever, and bloody ascites led to the consideration of acute pancreatitis, and the treatment involved fasting, plasma exchange, and whole blood exchange. Following the definitive diagnosis based on the genetic results, the patient was given a low-fat diet and received treatment with fat-soluble vitamins and trace elements, as well as adjustments to the feeding plan. After a 4-week hospitalization, the patient's condition improved and he was discharged. Follow-up showed a decrease in triglycerides and total cholesterol levels. At the age of 1 year, the patient's growth and psychomotor development were normal. This article emphasizes the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment of familial hyperlipoproteinemia presenting with symptoms suggestive of acute pancreatitis, including bloody ascites, in the neonatal period.

Long-term effects of volanesorsen on triglycerides and pancreatitis in patients with familial chylomicronaemia syndrome (FCS) in the UK Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The VOL4002 study assessed the efficacy and safety of volanesorsen in 22 adults with genetically confirmed familial chylomicronaemia syndrome (FCS) treated in the UK Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS), with ("prior exposure") or without ("treatment naive") previous treatment in the APPROACH and/or APPROACH-OLE volanesorsen phase 3 studies. METHODS: Data collection focused on triglyceride (TG) levels, platelet counts and pancreatitis events. Pancreatitis incidence during volanesorsen treatment was compared against the 5-year period preceding volanesorsen exposure. Volanesorsen 285 mg was self-administered subcutaneously once every 2 weeks. RESULTS: Individual patient volanesorsen exposure ranged from 6 to 51 months (total cumulative exposure, 589 months). Among treatment-naive patients (n = 12), volanesorsen treatment resulted in an averaged median 52% reduction (-10.6 mmol/L) from baseline (26.4 mmol/L) in TG levels at 3 months, which were maintained through time points over 15 months of treatment (47%-55% reductions). Similarly, prior-exposure patients (n = 10) experienced a 51% reduction (-17.8 mmol/L) from pre-treatment baseline (28.0 mmol/L), with reductions of 10%-38% over 21 months of treatment. A comparison of pancreatitis event rates found a 74% reduction from the 5-year period before (one event/2.8 years) and during (one event/11.0 years) volanesorsen treatment. Platelet declines were consistent with observations in phase 3 clinical trials. No patient recorded a platelet count <50 × 109/L. CONCLUSIONS: This longitudinal study supports the efficacy of volanesorsen in patients with FCS for lowering TG levels over treatment periods up to 51 months with no apparent safety signals related to increased duration of exposure.

Analyses of familial chylomicronemia syndrome in Pereira, Colombia 2010-2020: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by mutations in genes involved in chylomicron metabolism. On the other hand, multifactorial chylomicronemia syndrome (MCS) is a polygenic disorder and the most frequent cause of chylomicronemia, which results from the presence of multiple genetic variants related to chylomicron metabolism, in addition to secondary factors. Indeed, the genetic determinants that predispose to MCS are the presence of a heterozygous rare variant or an accumulation of several SNPs (oligo/polygenic). However, their clinical, paraclinical, and molecular features are not well established in our country. The objective of this study was to describe the development and results of a screening program for severe hypertriglyceridemia in Colombia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed. All patients aged >18 years with triglyceride levels ≥500 mg/dL from 2010 to 2020 were included. The program was developed in three stages: 1. Review of electronic records and identification of suspected cases based on laboratory findings (triglyceride levels ≥500 mg/dL); 2. Identification of suspected cases based on laboratory findings that also allowed us to exclude secondary factors; 3. Patients with FCS scores <8 were excluded. The remaining patients underwent molecular analysis. RESULTS: In total, we categorized 2415 patients as suspected clinical cases with a mean age of 53 years, of which 68% corresponded to male patients. The mean triglyceride levels were 705.37 mg/dL (standard deviation [SD] 335.9 mg/dL). After applying the FCS score, 2.4% (n = 18) of patients met the probable case definition and underwent a molecular test. Additionally, 7 patients had unique variants in the APOA5 gene (c.694 T > C; p. Ser232Pro) or in the GPIHBP1 gene (c.523G > C; p. Gly175Arg), for an apparent prevalence of familial chylomicronemia in the consulting population of 0.41 per 1.000 patients with severe HTG measurement. No previously reported pathogenic variants were detected. CONCLUSION: This study describes a screening program for the detection of severe hypertriglyceridemia. Although we identified seven patients as carriers of a variant in the APOA5 gene, we diagnosed only one patient with FCS. We believe that more programs of these characteristics should be developed in our region, given the importance of early detection of this metabolic disorder.

Volanesorsén, esperanza terapéutica para el síndrome de quilomicronemia familiar / Volanesorsén, therapeutic hope for family chylimicronemia syndrome

Objective: To reduce severe hypertriglyceridaemia and episodes of pancreatitis in patients with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCHS), in whom the response to diet and triglyceride (TG) lowering treatment has not been sufficient. Method: A 46-year-old woman diagnosed with genetically confirmed FFCS, with heterozygous presence of two variants and very severe elevation of triglycerides (≥2000 mg/dL), multiple admissions for acute pancreatitis since the age of 19, with associated side effects such as pancreatoprive Diabetes Mellitus with need for insulin and severe hepatic steatosis with grade I fibrosis diagnosed by liver biopsy. Given the intolerance to fibrates and insufficient response to diet and high doses of ω-3 fatty acids, we started treatment with Volanesorsen. Result: After 6 admissions for acute pancreatitis from January to April 2020, treatment with Volanesorsen was started on 7 August. Platelets at the start of treatment were 283x103/mm3 and triglycerides 1878 mg/dL. Platelet monitoring was performed every 2 weeks and at all times the figure remained >140x103/mm3. The treatment was well tolerated and after three months, the targets for continuing Volanesorsen were reached, reducing TG by more than 25% and reaching 624 mg/dL with platelets in the normal range. Conclusion: Volanesorsen is indicated as an adjunct to diet in adult patients with genetically confirmed FQS at high risk of pancreatitis, in whom the response to diet and triglyceride-lowering treatment has not been sufficient. (AU)

Objetivo: Reducción de la hipertrigliceridemia severa y episodios de pancreatitis en pacientes con síndrome de quilomicronemia familiar (SQF), en quienes la respuesta a la dieta y al tratamiento de reducción de triglicéridos (TG) no ha sido suficiente. Material y método: Mujer de 46 años diagnosticada de SQF confirmado genéticamente, con presencia en heterocigosis de dos variantes y con elevación muy grave de triglicéridos (≥2000 mg/dL), múltiples ingresos por pancreatitis agudas desde los 19 años, con efectos colaterales asociados como Diabetes Mellitus pancreatopriva con necesidad de insulina y esteatosis hepática severa con fibrosis grado I diagnosticada por biopsia hepática. Ante la intolerancia a fibratos e insuficiente respuesta a la dieta y altas dosis de ácidos grasos ω-3, iniciamos tratamiento con Volanesorsén. Resultado: Tras 6 ingresos por pancreatitis aguda desde enero hasta abril de 2020, el 7 de agosto inicia tratamiento con Volanesorsén. Plaquetas al inicio del tratamiento de 283x103/mm3 y triglicéridos 1878 mg/dL. Se realizó una monitorización plaquetaria cada 2 semanas y en todo momento la cifra se mantuvo >140x103/mm3 . El tratamiento fue bien tolerado y tras tres meses, se alcanzan los objetivos para poder continuar con Volanesorsén, reduciendo los TG más del 25% y alcanzando 624 mg/dL con plaquetas en rango de la normalidad. Conclusión: Volanesorsén está indicado como complemento a la dieta en pacientes adultos con SQF confirmado genéticamente y con riesgo alto de pancreatitis, en quienes la respuesta a la dieta y al tratamiento de reducción de triglicéridos no ha sido suficiente. (AU)

Role of lipoprotein lipase activity measurement in the diagnosis of familial chylomicronemia syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Activity assays for lipoprotein lipase (LPL) are not standardised for use in clinical settings. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to define and validate a cut-off points based on a ROC curve for the diagnosis of patients with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS). We also evaluated the role of LPL activity in a comprehensive FCS diagnostic workflow. METHODS: A derivation cohort (including an FCS group (n = 9), a multifactorial chylomicronemia syndrome (MCS) group (n = 11)), and an external validation cohort (including an FCS group (n = 5), a MCS group (n = 23) and a normo-triglyceridemic (NTG) group (n = 14)), were studied. FCS patients were previously diagnosed by the presence of biallelic pathogenic genetic variants in the LPL and GPIHBP1 genes. LPL activity was also measured. Clinical and anthropometric data were recorded, and serum lipids and lipoproteins were measured. Sensitivity, specificity and cut-offs for LPL activity were obtained from a ROC curve and externally validated. RESULTS: All post-heparin plasma LPL activity in the FCS patients were below 25.1 mU/mL, that was cut-off with best performance. There was no overlap in the LPL activity distributions between the FCS and MCS groups, conversely to the FCS and NTG groups. CONCLUSION: We conclude that, in addition to genetic testing, LPL activity in subjects with severe hypertriglyceridemia is a reliable criterium in the diagnosis of FCS when using a cut-off of 25.1 mU/mL (25% of the mean LPL activity in the validation MCS group). We do not recommend the NTG patient based cut-off values due to low sensitivity.

Screening program for familial hyperchylomicronemia syndrome detection: Experience of a university health system.

Objective: Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder caused by mutations related to chylomicron metabolism. The objective of this study is to show the development and results of a screening program for FCS in Argentina. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed. All patients > 18 years with a triglyceride level ≥ 1,000 mg/dL in the period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021 were included. The program was developed in three stages: (1) Review of electronic records and identification of suspected laboratory cases (triglyceride level ≥ 1,000 mg/dL); (2) Identification of suspected clinical cases (all suspected laboratory cases that had no relevant secondary factors) and application of the FCS score to define probable cases (score ≥ 10); (3) Perform genetic tests in probable cases. Results: Globally, 348 suspected laboratory cases (mean age of 49.9 years, 77.3% men) were included. The median triglycerides level was 1,309 mg/dL (interquartile range 1,175-1,607 mg/dL). In total, 231 patients were categorized as suspected clinical cases. After applying the FCS score, 3% of them were classified as "very likely FCS" (probable cases). Four variants of uncertain significance have been identified. No previously reported pathogenic variants were detected. Conclusion: This study shows a screening program for the detection of FCS. Although no patient was diagnosed with FCS, we believe that more programs of these characteristics should be developed in our region, given the importance of early detection of this metabolic disorder.

Qualitative development of the PROMIS Profile v1.0-Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome (FCS) 28.

PURPOSE: Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by high triglyceride levels, significant disease burden, and negative impacts on health-related quality of life. This project aimed to create a PROMIS-based patient-reported outcome measure that represents valid and important concerns for patients with FCS. METHODS: We reviewed the literature and data from a previous qualitative study of FCS to identify key FCS symptoms and impacts, which were mapped to PROMIS domains to create a pool of eligible items. Candidate items were reduced per expert feedback and patients with FCS completed cognitive interviews to confirm content validity and measure content. RESULTS: Literature and qualitative data review identified ten key symptoms and 12 key impacts of FCS, including abdominal pain, fatigue, difficulty thinking, and worry about pancreatitis attacks. We identified 96 items primarily from PROMIS, supplemented with items from the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders™ (Neuro-QoL™) and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) measurement systems. This pool was reduced to 32 candidate items, which were assessed via cognitive interviews with eight participants with FCS. Cognitive interview results and additional expert feedback led to the removal of four items and finalization of the PROMIS Profile v1.0-familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) 28. CONCLUSIONS: The PROMIS Profile v1.0-familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) 28 provides strong content validity for assessing quality of life among patients with FCS. The benefits of PROMIS, including norm-referenced mean values for each measure, will facilitate comparison of patients with FCS to other clinical populations.

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome: The first case reported in Ecuador. / Síndrome de quilomicronemia familiar: primer caso reportado en Ecuador.

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a genetic entity with autosomal recessive inheritance. Mutations in genes (such as APOC2, APOAV, LMF-1, GPIHBP-1) that code for proteins that regulate the maturation, transport, or polymerization of lipoprotein lipase-1 are the most common causes, but not the only ones. The objective of this study was to report the first documented case in Ecuador. CLINICAL CASE: A 38-year-old man presented with chronic hepatosplenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, pancreatic atrophy, and severe hypertriglyceridemia refractory to treatment. A molecular analysis was performed by next generation sequencing that determined a deficiency of Lipoprotein Lipase OMIM #238600 in homozygosis. Genetic confirmation is necessary in order to establish the etiology of HTGS for an adequate management of this pathology.

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome. A sixty year follow-up in two siblings and their kindreds. Nosological and clinical considerations.

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare and severe genetic disorder, characterized by marked elevation of plasma triglycerides, often diagnosed in infancy. We describe the long-term follow-up (almost 60 years), the diagnostic assessment and the management of two siblings with severe hypertriglyceridemia and a history of pancreatitis who also developed cardiovascular complications later in life. We recently disclosed that the surviving index case was homozygous for a pathogenic LPL gene variant (c.984 G>T, p.M328I). The same variant was also found in two apparently unrelated siblings with FCS living in the same geographical area as the index case.

Homozygous familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency without obvious coronary artery stenosis.

The prevalence of familial lipoprotein lipase deficiency (LPLD) is approximately one in 1,000,000 in the general population. There are conflicting reports on whether or not LPLD is atherogenic. We conducted coronary computed tomographic (CT) angiography on two patients in their 70 s who had genetically confirmed LPLD. Patient 1 was a 73 year old woman with a body mass index (BMI) of 27.5 kg/m2, no history of diabetes mellitus and no history of drinking alcohol or smoking. At the time of her first visit, her serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were 4.8 mmol/L, 17.3 mmol/L, and 0.5 mmol/L, respectively. She was treated with a lipid-restricted diet and fibrate but her serum TG levels remained extremely high. Next-generation sequencing analysis revealed a missense mutation (homo) in the LPL gene, c.662T>C (p. Ile221Thr), leading to the diagnosis of homozygous familial LPL deficiency (LPLD). Patient 2 was another 73- year- old woman. She also had marked hypertriglyceridemia with no history of diabetes mellitus, drinking alcohol, or smoking. Previous genetic studies showed she had a nonsense mutation (homozygous) in the LPL gene, c.1277G>A (p.Trp409Ter). To clarify the degree of coronary artery stenosis in these two cases, we conducted coronary CT angiography and found that no coronary artery stenosis in either the right or left coronary arteries. Based on the findings in these two elderly women along with previous reports on patients in their 60 s with LPLD and hypertriglyceridemia, we suggest that LPLD may not be associated with the development or progression of coronary artery disease.

Hypertriglyceridaemia: an update.

Triglycerides (TGs) form part of the standard lipid profile. Elevations in TGs are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk through triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particles found as part of non-HDL cholesterol. Many elevations of TGs are secondary to other causes, but primary hypertriglyceridaemia syndromes need to be identified. The genetic causes of hypertriglyceridaemia range from familial combined hyperlipidaemia through the autosomal recessive remnant hyperlipidaemia (related to apolipoprotein E variants) and familial chylomicronaemia syndromes. Patients with primary hypertriglyceridaemia >10 mmol/L require characterisation and specific intervention. Simple lipid profiles do not provide adequate information for detailed diagnosis and additional assays such as apolipoprotein (apo)B100, apoE genotype and next-generation sequencing may be useful. Management of raised TGs includes optimising diet, reducing exacerbating factors as well as lipid-lowering medications such as statins, fibrates, niacin and omega-3 fatty acids. Novel medications for orphan disease indications such as familial chylomicronaemia syndrome include volanesorsen, evinacumab and other antisense therapeutics. Extreme hypertriglyceridaemia syndromes, especially chylomicronaemia syndromes, which can be exposed by pregnancy or other factors are a medical emergency and require admission and specialist management sometimes including plasma exchange.

Síndrome de quilomicronemia familiar: experiencia pediátrica en Argentina / Familial chylomicronemia syndrome: pediatric experience in Argentina

El síndrome de quilomicronemia familiar (SQF) es unaenfermedad autosómica recesiva rara, con una prevalencia1:200 000 - 1:1 000 000, y se caracteriza por quilomicronemiaen ayunas y niveles muy elevados de triglicéridos (> 880 mg/dl). LPL es el gen más frecuentemente afectado, luego APOC2,GPIHBP1, APOA5 y LMF1; todos ellos comprometen la función de la lipoproteinlipasa endotelial. El SQF suele presentarseen la infancia con dolor abdominal recurrente, xantomaseruptivos, retraso del crecimiento, pancreatitis y, en ocasiones,asintomático. El tratamiento convencional es la restriccióndietética de grasas. Se muestra el resultado clínico de 20 pacientes pediátricoscon SQF reclutados de 4 hospitales en Argentina.

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare autosomalrecessive disease, prevalence 1:200,000 - 1:1,000,000, andis characterized by fasting chylomicrons and very hightriglycerides > 880 mg/dl. LPL is the most frequentlyaffected gene, then APOC2, GPIHBP1, APOA5, LMF1, all ofthem compromising the function of lipoproteinlipase. FCScommonly presents in childhood with recurrent abdominalpain, eruptive xanthomas, failure to thrive, pancreatitis, andsometimes asymptomatic. The conventional treatment isdietetic fat restriction. The clinical outcome of 20 pediatric patients with FCS recruited from 4 hospitals in Argentina is reported.

[Familial chylomicronemia syndrome: pediatric experience in Argentina]. / Síndrome de quilomicronemia familiar: experiencia pediátrica en Argentina.

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare autosomal recessive disease, prevalence 1:200,000 - 1:1,000,000, and is characterized by fasting chylomicrons and very high triglycerides > 880 mg/dl. LPL is the most frequently affected gene, then APOC2, GPIHBP1, APOA5, LMF1, all of them compromising the function of lipoproteinlipase. FCS commonly presents in childhood with recurrent abdominal pain, eruptive xanthomas, failure to thrive, pancreatitis, and sometimes asymptomatic. The conventional treatment is dietetic fat restriction. The clinical outcome of 20 pediatric patients with FCS recruited from 4 hospitals in Argentina is reported.

El síndrome de quilomicronemia familiar (SQF) es una enfermedad autosómica recesiva rara, con una prevalencia 1:200 000 - 1:1 000 000, y se caracteriza por quilomicronemia en ayunas y niveles muy elevados de triglicéridos (> 880 mg/ dl). LPL es el gen más frecuentemente afectado, luego APOC2, GPIHBP1, APOA5 y LMF1; todos ellos comprometen la función de la lipoproteinlipasa endotelial. El SQF suele presentarse en la infancia con dolor abdominal recurrente, xantomas eruptivos, retraso del crecimiento, pancreatitis y, en ocasiones, asintomático. El tratamiento convencional es la restricción dietética de grasas. Se muestra el resultado clínico de 20 pacientes pediátricos con SQF reclutados de 4 hospitales en Argentina.

Hypertriglyceridaemia in adolescents may have serious complications.

Acute pancreatitis is an often-overlooked cause of acute abdominal pain in children and adolescents. Severe hypertriglyceridaemia is an important cause of recurrent acute pancreatitis. Monogenic causes of hypertriglyceridaemia, such as familial chylomicronaemia caused by lipoprotein lipase deficiency, are more frequently encountered in children and adolescents, but remain rare. Polygenic hypertriglyceridaemia is more common, but may require a precipitant before manifesting. With the global increase in obesity and type 2 diabetes, secondary causes of hypertriglyceridaemia in children and adolescents are increasing. We report two cases of severe hypertriglyceridaemia and pancreatitis in adolescent females. Hypertriglyceridaemia improved markedly with restriction of dietary fat. An inhibitor to lipoprotein lipase was found to be the cause in one patient, while in the other limited genetic investigation excluded chylomicronaemia owing to deficiency of lipoprotein lipase, its activators and processing proteins.

Causes, clinical findings and therapeutic options in chylomicronemia syndrome, a special form of hypertriglyceridemia.

The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia has been increasing worldwide. Attention is drawn to the fact that the frequency of a special hypertriglyceridemia entity, named chylomicronemia syndrome, is variable among its different forms. The monogenic form, termed familial chylomicronemia syndrome, is rare, occuring in 1 in every 1 million persons. On the other hand, the prevalence of the polygenic form of chylomicronemia syndrome is around 1:600. On the basis of the genetical alterations, other factors, such as obesity, alcohol consumption, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and certain drugs may significantly contribute to the development of the multifactorial form. In this review, we aimed to highlight the recent findings about the clinical and laboratory features, differential diagnosis, as well as the epidemiology of the monogenic and polygenic forms of chylomicronemias. Regarding the therapy, differentiation between the two types of the chylomicronemia syndrome is essential, as well. Thus, proper treatment options of chylomicronemia and hypertriglyceridemia will be also summarized, emphasizing the newest therapeutic approaches, as novel agents may offer solution for the effective treatment of these conditions.

Incidental diagnosis of LPL deficiency in an infant presenting with an acute respiratory infection.

Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) deficiency is an extremely rare disorder of lipid metabolism known to cause hypertriglyceridaemia in childhood. We report the incidental diagnosis of LPL deficiency in an infant presenting with an acute respiratory tract infection. The patient was initially treated for a lower respiratory tract infection, but was subsequently found to have milky appearance of the serum, with a triglyceride concentration greater than 1000 mg/dL. Clinical examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly. Genetic analysis showed that the patient was a compound heterozygote for two rare likely pathogenic LPL variants c.808C>G p.(Arg270Gly) and c.1019-3C>G. She was commenced on a low-fat diet with the addition of medium chain triglyceride formula. At follow-up, her serum triglyceride level was normal.

Challenges in familial chylomicronemia syndrome diagnosis and management across Latin American countries: An expert panel discussion.

Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by extremely high triglyceride levels due to impaired clearance of chylomicrons from plasma. This paper is the result of a panel discussion with Latin American specialists who raised the main issues on diagnosis and management of FCS in their countries. Overall FCS is diagnosed late on the course of the disease, is characterized by heterogeneity on the occurrence of pancreatitis, and remains a long time in care of different specialists until reaching a lipidologist. Pancreatitis and secondary diabetes are frequently seen, often due to late diagnosis and inadequate care. Molecular diagnosis is unusual; however, loss of function variants on the lipoprotein lipase gene are apparently the most frequent etiology. A founder effect of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchored high density lipoprotein binding protein 1 gene has been described in the northeast of Brazil. Low awareness of the disease amongst health professionals contributes to inadequate care and an inadequate patient journey.