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Screening for familial hypercholesterolaemia in primary school children: protocol for a cross-sectional, feasibility
Marianne Becker1,2, Aurélie Adamski3, Françoise Fandel4
1Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology (DECCP), Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg becker.marianne@chl.lu.
Insights
This pilot study explores screening for familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) in primary school children using a simple blood test. Early FH detection can prevent premature cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an inherited condition causing early cardiovascular disease.
- Early detection and treatment of FH are crucial for preventing premature death.
- Current FH screening methods may not reach all affected individuals effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of FH in primary school children.
- To assess the feasibility and efficacy of a school-based screening program for FH.
- To evaluate a screening approach using capillary blood tests during routine school medical visits.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 3200 children aged 7-12 years in Luxembourg.
- Capillary blood tests performed by a study nurse to analyze lipid profiles.
- Informed consent obtained from parents; results provided with medical advice referrals and potential cascade screening.
Main Results:
- The primary outcome is the confirmed prevalence of FH in the study population.
- Secondary outcomes include screening participation rates and identification of affected family members.
- A health economic analysis will also be conducted.
Conclusions:
- School-based screening for FH in children is a feasible approach for early detection.
- Identifying FH in childhood can lead to timely interventions and prevent long-term cardiovascular complications.
- This pilot study provides a foundation for broader implementation of pediatric FH screening programs.
Introduction:
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a frequent (1:300) autosomal dominantly inherited condition which causes premature (women <60 years, men <55 years) cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Early detection and initiation of treatment can prevent the development of CVD and premature death. Our pilot study aims to investigate the prevalence of FH, the feasibility and efficacy of a screening based on a capillary blood test performed during a school medicine visit in primary school children.
Methods And Analysis:
In this cross-sectional study, all children (n=3200) between 7 and 12 years, attending primary school in the city of Luxembourg and invited for their mandatory medical school examinations between 2021 and 2023 are invited to participate. A study nurse performs a capillary blood test to analyse the lipid profile. Families receive the result including an interpretation and invitation to seek medical advice if indicated. If FH is confirmed, a reverse cascade screening in that family will be proposed. The child will receive standard care. Primary outcome is the occurrence of confirmed FH in the study population. Secondary outcomes include the percentage of children screened, percentage of children with abnormal lipid values, percentage of families screened and percentage of families with additionally identified members suffering from hypercholesterolaemia. A health economic analysis will be performed.
Ethics And Dissemination:
Ethics approval (reference number 202108/01) has been obtained from the National Research Ethics Committee (CNER (Luxembourg)) and was authorised by the ministry of health in Luxembourg. Families receive written information with an informed consent form. Participation requires an informed consent form signed by the parents. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and by public media to the general public.
Trial Registration Number:
NCT05271305.
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