How are children in the UK currently being screened for hypercholesterolaemia?

From the Research

Children in the UK are currently being screened for hypercholesterolaemia using a targeted approach, focusing on those with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease or familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), rather than universal population screening. This approach is based on the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern of FH, which means children of affected parents have a 50% chance of inheriting the condition 1. The screening process typically involves measuring total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides after a 12-hour fast, with age-specific and gender-specific LDL-cholesterol concentration cutoffs used for diagnosis 2.

Key Points:

• The UK uses a targeted screening approach for hypercholesterolaemia in children, focusing on those with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease or FH 1.
• Universal screening is not considered cost-effective and may lead to unnecessary anxiety and treatment in children 3.
• The screening process involves measuring total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides after a 12-hour fast 2.
• Age-specific and gender-specific LDL-cholesterol concentration cutoffs are used for diagnosis 2.
• Cascade screening is recommended for children with a parent confirmed to have FH, starting from age 2-10 years 4.

Recommendations:

• Every country should have an FH screening programme, adapted to fit their individual healthcare system 1.
• Governments should provide financial support for these programmes and related care 1.
• Further research should be conducted to optimize care and implementation of FH screening programmes 1.