From the Guidelines
Therapeutic lifestyle changes, including diet and weight management, are the primary treatment for elevated triglycerides in an 11-year-old child.
Treatment Approach
- The treatment approach should focus on weight management with appropriate energy intake and expenditure, as elevated fasting triglycerides (TG) and reduced HDL-C are often seen in the context of overweight with insulin resistance 1.
- Decrease intake of simple sugars and promote achievement of appropriate weight.
- Reduce sodium in the diet and emphasize increased consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Pharmacological Intervention
- No pharmacological interventions are recommended in children for isolated elevation of fasting TG unless this is very marked (treatment may be initiated at TG 400 mg/dL to protect against postprandial TG of 1000 mg/dL or greater, which may be associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis) 1.
Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals
- Any treatment approach should be accomplished in collaboration with a physician experienced in treatment of disorders of cholesterol in pediatric patients 1.
- Weight management should be done in collaboration with a trained dietitian 1.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Hypertriglyceridemia
The treatment for elevated triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia) in an 11-year-old child involves a combination of lifestyle changes and pharmacological interventions.
- Lifestyle modifications, such as improved diet and increased physical activity, are effective in lowering triglyceride levels 2, 3.
- For children with severe hypertriglyceridemia, hospitalization may be required to address symptoms such as abdominal pain or pancreatitis, and treatment may include a combination of pharmacologic agents and restriction on dietary triglyceride intake 4.
- The choice of pharmacological treatment depends on the severity of hypertriglyceridemia and the presence of other risk factors, such as high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels 2, 3, 5.
Pharmacological Treatment
- Fibrates are currently the drugs of choice for hypertriglyceridemia, frequently in combination with statins 2, 5.
- Omega-3 fatty acids can also be used to lower triglyceride levels, particularly in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia 3, 6.
- Other novel therapies, such as apolipoprotein C-III inhibitors and angiopoietin-like 3 inhibitors, may also be effective in lowering triglyceride levels, but more research is needed to determine their safety and efficacy in children 6.
Special Considerations for Children
- The diagnosis and treatment of hypertriglyceridemia in children should take into account the child's age, medical history, and family history of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease 5.
- Children with severe hypertriglyceridemia should be evaluated for secondary causes of hyperlipidemia and monitored closely for signs of pancreatitis or other complications 4, 5.