Monitoring the Effects of Hypolipidemic Treatment in Children with Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Poland

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Genetics
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common monogenic disorder leading to elevated cardiovascular mortality.
• Early detection and lipid-lowering treatments are vital for cardiovascular risk management in FH patients.
• Controlling cardiovascular risk factors can prevent a significant percentage of strokes and cardiovascular diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of dietary and pharmacological interventions in pediatric patients with FH.
• To evaluate the impact of statin therapy on arterial stiffness and intima-media thickness (IMT) in children with FH.
• To determine the long-term effects of treatment on atherosclerotic changes.

Main Methods:

• Enrolled 57 pediatric patients (average age 9.57 ± 3.26 years) diagnosed with FH.
• Assessed lipid profiles and performed ultrasound imaging, including IMT measurement and echo (e)-tracking.
• Patients received either a low-cholesterol diet or a combination of diet and statin therapy, monitored for 12 months.

Main Results:

• Dietary treatment showed positive results in 40 patients.
• Combined nutritional and pharmacological therapy was effective in 27 patients over 12 months.
• Statin therapy led to a significant reduction in carotid beta index stiffness and an insignificant decrease in IMT, indicating reduced arterial stiffness.

Conclusions:

• Statin therapy in children with FH effectively reduces the degree of atherosclerotic vessel changes.
• Early intervention with statins can mitigate arterial stiffness in pediatric FH patients.
• Comprehensive management including diet and statins is essential for improving cardiovascular outcomes in children with FH.