Treatment of dyslipidaemia in childhood.
BACKGROUND
Atherosclerosis, the condition underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD), often begins in childhood. A disturbance in lipoprotein metabolism is one of the major modifiable risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis and ensuing CVD. Therefore, strategies to prevent CVD should be implemented at an early age, especially in populations at high risk.


METHODS
We discuss the current treatment options for a number of primary and secondary dyslipidaemias. A literature search was done using PubMed, and references from 1973 to 2009 are cited.


RESULTS
The reader will gain a comprehensive review on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for primary and secondary dyslipidaemia in childhood.


CONCLUSIONS
Dyslipidaemia may require early diagnosis and management, especially when it is familial with elevated cholesterol levels from birth onwards. If target goals for low-density lipoprotein reduction cannot be reached with lifestyle modification, drug therapy can be considered.
Kusters
D Meeike
DM
Department of Vascular Medicine, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Vissers
Maud N
MN
Wiegman
Albert
A
Kastelein
John J P
JJ
Hutten
Barbara A
BA
D000293:Adolescent; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007223:Infant; D008019:Life Style; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors
D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents