Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
06:04

Author Spotlight: Assessing the Cardiovascular Profile of Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

1.7K

Carotid intima-media thickness in children with familial hypercholesterolemia

Dorothé M Kusters1, A Wiegman, John J P Kastelein

  • 1From the Departments of Vascular Medicine (D.M.K., J.J.P.K.), Pediatrics (D.M.K., A.W.), and Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Bioinformatics (B.A.H.), Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Circulation Research
|November 7, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) causes early atherosclerosis. Children with FH show greater carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) than siblings, with differences apparent by age 8.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) significantly increases the risk of premature cardiovascular disease.
  • Atherosclerosis development in FH patients begins in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) at baseline between children with FH and their unaffected siblings.
  • To evaluate baseline cIMT differences in children aged 6-17 years as part of a rosuvastatin trial.

Main Methods:

  • B-mode ultrasound was used to measure cIMT in 196 children with FH and 64 siblings.
  • Multivariable analyses identified predictors of cIMT.

Main Results:

  • Children with FH had significantly greater mean cIMT than unaffected siblings (0.398±0.052 vs 0.377±0.045 mm, P<0.001).
  • Elevated cIMT was observed even before age 8 in FH patients.
  • Age, male sex, and FH presence were independent predictors of cIMT.

Conclusions:

  • Significant cIMT differences between FH children and siblings can emerge by age 8.
  • Early cholesterol lowering is crucial for this high-risk pediatric population.
  • This study supports ongoing trials assessing statin efficacy and safety in young FH patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
carotid intima-media thicknesshyperlipoproteinemia type IIpediatrics

More Related Videos

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology09:33

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology

Published on: February 7, 2015

19.6K
A Model of Disturbed Flow-Induced Atherosclerosis in Mouse Carotid Artery by Partial Ligation and a Simple Method of RNA Isolation from Carotid Endothelium11:00

A Model of Disturbed Flow-Induced Atherosclerosis in Mouse Carotid Artery by Partial Ligation and a Simple Method of RNA Isolation from Carotid Endothelium

Published on: June 22, 2010

28.9K

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
961
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
2.5K
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
747
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation01:29

Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation

Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
2.1K
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile01:25

Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System III: Serum Lipid Profile

Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.
Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid...
859
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
812