Pediatric Lipid Disorders

Abstract

Current scientific evidence has proven that atherosclerosis is a process that begins in childhood and tracks into adulthood, likely culminating in adverse cardiovascular events such as coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. In addition, the obesity epidemic and increasing awareness of genetic lipid disorders has made the understanding and management of lipid disorders necessary for pediatricians. Childhood offers a unique opportunity for preventing, modifying, or eliminating risk factors and, in doing so, reversing or slowing the process of atherosclerosis. In general, management involves targeted lifestyle interventions such as strict dietary changes and increases in physical activity. In some circumstances, pharmacotherapy, even in childhood, is warranted. [Pediatr Ann. 2021;50(3):e105-e112.].

Figure 1.

Flow chart for the management of LDL-c in children. Adapted from Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents. CHILD, Cardiovascular Integrated Lifestyle Diet; CVD, cardiovascular disease; FHx, Family History; FLP, Fasting Lipid Profile, LDL-c, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Figure 2.

Flow chart for the management of triglycerides in children. Adapted from Expert Panel on Integrated Guidelines for Cardiovascular Health and Risk Reduction in Children and Adolescents. CHILD, Cardiovascular Integrated Lifestyle Diet; FLP, fasting lipid profile; LDL-c, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; TG, triglyceride