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Algorithms for Treating Dyslipidemia in Youth

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The goal of this article is to review algorithms for treating dyslipidemia in youth, discuss pitfalls, propose enhanced algorithms to address pitfalls, and consider future directions.

Recent Findings

The presence of modifiable and non-modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors during childhood is associated with CVD-related events in adulthood. Recent data has shown that childhood initiation of statin therapy in youth < 18 years of age with familial hypercholesterolemia reduces the risk of adult CVD. However, pediatric dyslipidemia remains undertreated in part due to a lack of primary health care providers with adequate understanding of screening guidelines and pediatric lipidologists with experience in treatment and follow-up of this unique population. Management algorithms have been published by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and American Heart Association as tools to empower clinicians to manage dyslipidemia. We propose enhanced algorithms, which incorporate recently approved pharmacotherapy to address the management gaps. Future algorithms based upon clinical risk scores may enhance treatment and improve outcomes.

Summary

Algorithms for dyslipidemia management which target youth < 18 years of age are tools which empower clinicians to manage dyslipidemia in this unique population. Enhanced algorithms may help address pitfalls. We acknowledge the need for further risk assessment tools in pediatrics for tailored dyslipidemia management.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to acknowledge the PES Lipid Special Interest Group for the opportunity to create these enhanced lipid management algorithms and for their feedback throughout the process.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, 6701 Fannin St. Ste 1020, Houston, TX, 77030, USA

    Grace K. Kim & Nidhi Bansal

  2. Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, The Lundquist Institute of Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA, Torrance, CA, 90509, USA

    Jennifer K. Yee

  3. David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90509, USA

    Jennifer K. Yee

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  1. Grace K. Kim
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Correspondence to Nidhi Bansal.

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Kim, G.K., Yee, J.K. & Bansal, N. Algorithms for Treating Dyslipidemia in Youth. Curr Atheroscler Rep 25, 495–507 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11883-023-01122-1

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