Universal pediatric screening combined with genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolemia is highly recommended to enable early diagnosis and prevent premature coronary artery disease.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Lipid measurements and genetic testing are the main diagnostic tools for FH screening that are available in many countries. A lipid profile is widely accessible, and genetic testing, although available worldwide, in some countries is only performed in a research context. Still FH is diagnosed late, showing lack of early screening programs worldwide. RECENT FINDINGS: Pediatric screening of FH was recently recognized by the European Commission Public Health Best Practice Portal as one on the best practices in non-communicable disease prevention. The early diagnosis of FH and the lowering of LDL-C values over lifespan can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and offer health and socioeconomic gains. Current knowledge about FH shows that early detection through appropriate screening needs to become a priority in healthcare systems worldwide. Governmental programs for FH identification should be implemented to unify the diagnosis and increase patient identification.
Medeiros et al. (Thu,) conducted a review in Familial Hypercholesterolemia. Pediatric screening and genetic testing was evaluated. Universal pediatric screening combined with genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolemia is highly recommended to enable early diagnosis and prevent premature coronary artery disease.