Familial Hypercholesterolaemia in Children and Adolescents: Current and Future Perspectives.
Curr Pediatr Rev
; 19(3): 234-241, 2023.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36154579
ABSTRACT
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disease, the underlying cause of which is represented by mutations capable of influencing the metabolism of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). The distinguishing characteristic of FH has increased LDL cholesterol blood levels since birth, triggering early development of atherosclerosis-related diseases. Diagnosis of FH is frequently either missed or made with a considerable delay. Prompt identification of the disease is pivotal in implementing early prevention measures. Safe and effective drugs have been approved for use in children and adolescents, with statins, with or without ezetimibe, representing first-line therapy. At times, however, these medications may not be sufficient to achieve the therapeutic target, particularly in homozygous FH patients. Lipoprotein apheresis, which has proved safe and efficient, is strongly suggested in such cases. New drugs still at the investigational stage may represent a promising and personalised therapy. Lowering cholesterol levels in childhood hampers the formation of arterial atherosclerotic plaques, thus reducing cardiovascular events later in life. Accordingly, early detection, diagnosis, and therapy in FH subjects are priority aims.
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Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Aterosclerose
/
Hiperlipoproteinemia Tipo II
/
Anticolesterolemiantes
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
/
Screening_studies
Limite:
Adolescent
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Child
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article