Differential Diagnosis for Elevated Triglycerides and Low HDL in an 8-Year-Old
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia: This condition is characterized by elevated levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and low levels of HDL cholesterol. It is a common cause of dyslipidemia in children and has a strong familial component.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Obesity-related Dyslipidemia: Obesity is a common cause of elevated triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol in children. A thorough physical examination and calculation of body mass index (BMI) can help support this diagnosis.
- Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to dyslipidemia, and an assessment of the child's physical activity level can help determine if this is a contributing factor.
- Dietary Factors: A diet high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol can contribute to elevated triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Familial Hypertriglyceridemia: This rare genetic disorder is characterized by severely elevated triglyceride levels and can increase the risk of pancreatitis.
- Hypothyroidism: Untreated hypothyroidism can cause elevated triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol, and is an important diagnosis to consider due to its potential impact on growth and development.
- Diabetes Mellitus: Uncontrolled diabetes can cause dyslipidemia, and is an important diagnosis to consider due to its potential long-term complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Lipoprotein Lipase Deficiency: This rare genetic disorder is characterized by severely elevated triglyceride levels and can increase the risk of pancreatitis.
- Apolipoprotein C-II Deficiency: This rare genetic disorder is characterized by elevated triglyceride levels and can increase the risk of pancreatitis.
- Tangier Disease: This rare genetic disorder is characterized by very low levels of HDL cholesterol and can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.