Combined Dyslipidemia in Children and Adolescents: a Proposed New Management Approach

AbstractPurpose of ReviewCombined dyslipidemia (CD), the predominant abnormal lipid pattern in children and adolescents, is characterized by moderate/severe triglyceride elevation with reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. CD is prevalent, present in 30 –50% of obese adolescents. Epidemiologic and lipid sub-population findings demonstrate CD to be highly atherogenic. In the short term, CD responds well to lifestyle change; long-term results are lacking.Recent FindingsMajor longitudinal studies now confirm that CD in childhood predicts early cardiovascular disease events in adults. Targeted nutritional interventions can be safely and effectively introduced in young children. These findings support introduction of a new approach to CD management.SummaryNew evidence supporting the atherosclerotic risk associated with CD and the effectiveness of lifelong diet interventions is reviewed and a new family-based primordial approach to CD beginning in infancy is proposed. Aligned with existing pediatric care recommendations, this has the potential to significantly decrease the development of CD.
Source: Current Atherosclerosis Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research