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Wang M, Jiang S, Li B, Parkinson B, Lu J, Tan K, Gu Y, Li S. Synthesized economic evidence on the cost-effectiveness of screening familial hypercholesterolemia. Glob Health Res Policy 2024; 9:38. [PMID: 39327612 PMCID: PMC11425997 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-024-00382-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a prevalent genetic disorder with global implications for severe cardiovascular diseases. Motivated by the growing recognition of the need for early diagnosis and treatment of FH to mitigate its severe consequences, alongside the gaps in understanding the economic implications and equity impacts of FH screening, this study aims to synthesize the economic evidence on the cost-effectiveness of FH screening and to analyze the impact of FH screening on health inequality. METHODS We conducted a systematic review on the economic evaluations of FH screening and extracted information from the included studies using a pre-determined form for evidence synthesis. We synthesized the cost-effectiveness components involving the calculation of synthesized incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and net health benefit (NHB) of different FH screening strategies. Additionally, we applied an aggregate distributional cost-effectiveness analysis (DCEA) to assess the impact of FH screening on health inequality. RESULTS Among the 19 studies included, over half utilized Markov models, and 84% concluded that FH screening was potentially cost-effective. Based on the synthesized evidence, cascade screening was likely to be cost-effective, with an ICER of $49,630 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). The ICER for universal screening was $20,860 per QALY as per evidence synthesis. The aggregate DCEA for six eligible studies presented that the incremental equally distributed equivalent health (EDEH) exceeded the NHB. The difference between EDEH and NHB across the six studies were 325, 137, 556, 36, 50, and 31 QALYs, respectively, with an average positive difference of 189 QALYs. CONCLUSIONS Our research offered valuable insights into the economic evaluations of FH screening strategies, highlighting significant heterogeneity in methods and outcomes across different contexts. Most studies indicated that FH screening is cost-effective and contributes to improving overall population health while potentially reducing health inequality. These findings offer implications that policies should promote the implementation of FH screening programs, particularly among younger population. Optimizing screening strategies based on economic evidence can help identify the most effective measures for improving health outcomes and maximizing cost-effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Wang
- School of Management, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Macquarie Business School and Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University, Level 5, 75 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Boyang Li
- School of Political Science and Public Administration, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bonny Parkinson
- Macquarie Business School and Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University, Level 5, 75 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Jiao Lu
- School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kai Tan
- School of Management, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Gu
- Macquarie Business School and Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University, Level 5, 75 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Shunping Li
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Center for Health Preference Research, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Genetic Testing for Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Health Technology Assessment. ONTARIO HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT SERIES 2022; 22:1-155. [PMID: 36158868 PMCID: PMC9470216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disorder characterized by abnormally elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol serum levels from birth, which increases the risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Genetic testing is a type of a medical test that looks for changes in genes or chromosome structure to discover genetic differences, anomalies, or mutations that may prove pathological. It is regarded as the gold standard for screening and diagnosing FH. We conducted a health technology assessment on genetic testing for people with FH and their relatives (i.e., cascade screening). The assessment included an evaluation of clinical utility (the ability of a test to improve health outcomes), the diagnostic yield (ability of a test to identify people with FH), cost-effectiveness, the budget impact of publicly funding genetic testing for FH, and patient preferences and values. METHODS We performed a systematic literature search of the clinical evidence. For evaluation of clinical utility, we assessed the risk of bias of each included study using the ROBINS-I tool and the quality of the body of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) Working Group criteria.We performed a systematic economic literature search and conducted a cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analysis with a lifetime horizon from a public payer perspective. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of using genetic testing both for confirming a FH clinical diagnosis and for cascade screening in relatives of genetically confirmed cases. We evaluated the cost effectiveness of cascade screening strategies with genetic testing, sequential testing, and lipid testing approaches. We also analyzed the budget impact of publicly funding genetic testing in Ontario. RESULTS We included 11 studies in the clinical evidence review. Overall, our review found that genetic testing to diagnose FH improves several health outcomes (GRADE: Moderate) compared with clinical evaluation without a genetic test. We also found that genetic cascade screening leads to a high diagnostic yield of FH.According to our primary economic evaluation, genetic testing is a dominant strategy (more effective and less costly) compared with no genetic testing for individuals with a FH clinical diagnosis. It reduced the number of FH diagnoses, led to fewer cardiovascular events, and improved QALYs. For first-degree relatives of genetically confirmed cases, all cascade screening strategies (genetic testing, sequential testing, and lipid testing) were cost-effective when compared with no cascade screening in a pairwise fashion. The ICERs of cascade screening with genetic, sequential, and lipid testing compared with no cascade screening were $58,390, $50,220, and $45,754 per QALY gained, respectively. When comparing all screening strategies together, cascade screening with lipid testing was the most cost-effective strategy. At commonly used willingness-to-pay values of $50,000 and $100,000 per QALY gained, the probability of lipid cascade screening being cost-effective was 53.5% and 71.5%, respectively.The annual budget impact of publicly funding genetic testing for individuals with a clinical FH diagnosis in Ontario ranged from a cost saving of $2 million in year 1 to $64 million in year 5, for a total of $141 million saved over the next 5 years, assuming the cost of genetic testing remains at $490 per person. If only testing-related costs were considered, the budget impact was estimated to be an additional cost of $7 million in year 1, increasing to $20 million in year 5, for a total cost of $64 million over the next 5 years. For relatives of genetically confirmed cases, publicly funding genetic cascade screening would lead to an additional cost of $5 million in year 1, increasing to $27 million in year 5, for a total cost of $73 million over the next 5 years. If only testing-related costs were considered, the budget impact was estimated to be an additional of $66 million. CONCLUSIONS Genetic testing for FH has a higher clinical utility than clinical evaluation without a genetic test. It also results in a high diagnostic yield of FH through cascade screening. For individuals with a clinical diagnosis of FH, genetic testing would be a cost-saving and more effective diagnostic strategy. For relatives of index cases confirmed through genetic testing, genetic and lipid cascade screening are both cost-effective compared with no screening, but genetic cascade screening is less cost-effective than lipid cascade screening. We estimated that publicly funding genetic testing for individuals with a clinical diagnosis of FH in Ontario would save $141 million, and publicly funding genetic testing in a cascade screening program for relatives would cost an additional $73 million over the next five years.Most people with a positive genetic test perceived the screening, diagnosis, and treatment for FH more positively. The discovery of the condition can lead people to adhere to relevant treatments in an effort to control their cholesterol levels. People we spoke with felt that greater awareness and education would allow for more efficient uptake of cascade screening.
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Cascade health service use in family members following genetic testing in children: a scoping literature review. Eur J Hum Genet 2021; 29:1601-1610. [PMID: 34446836 PMCID: PMC8560854 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-021-00952-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cascade genetic testing is the identification of individuals at risk for a hereditary condition by genetic testing in relatives of people known to possess particular genetic variants. Cascade testing has health system implications, however cascade costs and health effects are not considered in health technology assessments (HTAs) that focus on costs and health consequences in individual patients. Cascade health service use must be better understood to be incorporated in HTA of emerging genetic tests for children. The purpose of this review was to characterise published research related to patterns and costs of cascade health service use by relatives of children with any condition diagnosed through genetic testing. To this end, a scoping literature review was conducted. Citation databases were searched for English-language papers reporting uptake, costs, downstream health service use, or cost-effectiveness of cascade investigations of relatives of children who receive a genetic diagnosis. Included publications were critically appraised, and findings were synthesised. Twenty publications were included. Sixteen had a paediatric proband population; four had a combined paediatric and adult proband population. Uptake of cascade testing varied across diseases, from 37% for cystic fibrosis, 39% to 65% for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and 90% for rare monogenic conditions. Two studies evaluated costs. It was concluded that cascade testing in the child-to-parent direction has been reported in a variety of diseases, and that understanding the scope of cascade testing will aid in the design and conduct of HTA of emerging genetic technologies to better inform funding and policy decisions.
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Peterson AL, McNeal CJ, Wilson DP. Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Children with Familial Hypercholesterolemia. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2021; 23:64. [PMID: 34453222 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-021-00959-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a common inherited disorder of LDL-C metabolism that predisposes to premature cardiovascular disease, is underdiagnosed. Despite recommendations for screening all children and initiation of lipid-lowering medication beginning at 8-10 years of age, adherence to guidelines is low. Most individuals with FH are inadequately treated, especially women and children. The purpose of this review is to discuss current literature and recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of heterozygous FH (HeFH) in the pediatric population. RECENT FINDINGS Twenty-year outcome data demonstrate lower rates of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) related events and death in individuals with FH who were treated with statins from childhood, compared to those who initiated statins in adulthood. While diagnosis rates of FH are slowly improving, most clinicians do not adhere to recommendations for cholesterol screening in youth. Identifying youth with FH offers the opportunity for early intervention to prevent ASCVD and identify affected relatives through reverse cascade screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Peterson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, H6/534 CSC MC 4108 600 Highland Ave., Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
| | - Catherine J McNeal
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine Baylor Scott & White Health, 2301 S. 31st St., Temple, TX, 76508, USA
| | - Don P Wilson
- Don P. Wilson, MD, FNLA, Endowed Chair, Pediatric CV Health and Risk Prevention, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Cook Children's Medical Center, 1500 Cooper Street, 2nd Floor Dodson Bldg., Fort Worth, TX, 76104, USA
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Improvement of Definite Diagnosis of Familial Hypercholesterolemia Using an Expanding Genetic Analysis. JACC: ASIA 2021; 1:82-89. [PMID: 36338372 PMCID: PMC9627923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacasi.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background The deeper understanding of the complex hereditary basis of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) has raised the rationale of genetic testing, which has been underutilized in clinical practice. Objectives The present study aimed to explore the variant spectrum of FH in an expanding manner and compare its diagnostic performance. Methods A total of 169 Chinese individuals (124 index cases and 45 relatives) with clinical definite/probable FH were consecutively enrolled. Next-generation sequencing was performed for genetic analysis of 9 genes associated with hypercholesterolemia (major genes: LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9; minor genes: LDLRAP1, LIPA, STAP1, APOE, ABCG5, and ABCG8) including the evaluations of small-scale variants and large-scale copy number variants (CNVs). Results Among the 169 clinical FH patients included, 98 (58.0%) were men. A total of 85 (68.5%) index cases carried FH-associated variants. The proportion of FH caused by small-scale variants in LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 genes was 62.1% and then increased by 6.5% when other genes and CNVs were further included. Furthermore, the variants in LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 genes occupied 75% of all FH-associated variants. Of note, there were 8 non-LDLR CNVs detected in the present study. Conclusions LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9 genes should be tested in the initial genetic screening, although variants in minor genes also could explain phenotypic FH, suggesting that an expanding genetic testing may be considered to further explain phenotypic FH.
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Nohara A, Tada H, Ogura M, Okazaki S, Ono K, Shimano H, Daida H, Dobashi K, Hayashi T, Hori M, Matsuki K, Minamino T, Yokoyama S, Harada-Shiba M. Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia. J Atheroscler Thromb 2021; 28:665-678. [PMID: 33867421 PMCID: PMC8265428 DOI: 10.5551/jat.rv17050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disorder with retarded clearance of plasma LDL caused by mutations of the genes involved in the LDL receptor-mediated pathway and most of them exhibit autosomal dominant inheritance. Homozygotes of FH (HoFH) may have plasma LDL-C levels, which are at least twice as high as those of heterozygous FH (HeFH) and therefore four times higher than normal levels. Prevalence of HoFH had been estimated as 1 in 1,000,000 before but more recent genetic analysis surveys predict 1 in 170,000 to 300,000. Since LDL receptor activity is severely impaired, HoFH patients do not or very poorly respond to medications to enhance activity, such as statins, and have a poorer prognosis compared to HeFH. HoFH should therefore be clinically distinguished from HeFH. Thorough family studies and genetic analysis are recommended for their accurate diagnosis. Fatal cardiovascular complications could develop even in the first decade of life for HoFH, so aggressive lipid-lowering therapy should be initiated as early as possible. Direct removal of plasma LDL by lipoprotein apheresis has been the principal measure for these patients. However, this treatment alone may not achieve stable LDL-C target levels and combination with drugs should be considered. The lipid-lowering effects of statins and PCSK9 inhibitors substantially vary depending on the remaining LDL receptor activity of individual patients. On the other hand, the action an MTP inhibitor is independent of LDL receptor activity, and it is effective in most HoFH cases. This review summarizes the key clinical issues of HoFH as well as insurance coverage available under the Japanese public healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Nohara
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Ishikawa Prefectural Central Hospital
| | - Hayato Tada
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences
| | - Masatsune Ogura
- Department of Molecular Innovation in Lipidology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute
| | - Sachiko Okazaki
- Division for Health Service Promotion, The University of Tokyo
| | - Koh Ono
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Hitoshi Shimano
- Department of Internal Medicine (Endocrinology and Metabolism), Faculty of Medicine University of Tsukuba
| | - Hiroyuki Daida
- Faculty of Health Science, Juntendo University, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Kazushige Dobashi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi
| | - Toshio Hayashi
- School of Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Mika Hori
- Department of Endocrinology, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Nagoya University
| | - Kota Matsuki
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Tetsuo Minamino
- Department of Cardiorenal and Cerebrovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University
| | | | - Mariko Harada-Shiba
- Department of Molecular Pathogenesis, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute
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Tada H, Takamura M, Kawashiri MA. Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Narrative Review on Diagnosis and Management Strategies for Children and Adolescents. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2021; 17:59-67. [PMID: 33628029 PMCID: PMC7898200 DOI: 10.2147/vhrm.s266249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a relatively common inherited disorder caused by deleterious mutation(s) in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor or its associated genes. Given its nature as a heritable disease, any useful screening scheme, including universal, and cascade screening, allows for the early identification of patients with FH. Another important aspect to note is that early diagnosis associated with appropriate treatment can promote better prognosis. However, most clinical diagnostic criteria for adults have adopted clinical elements, such as physical xanthomas and family history, both of which are usually obscure and/or difficult to obtain in children and adolescents. Moreover, LDL cholesterol levels fluctuating considerably during adolescence, hindering the timely diagnosis of FH. In addition, recent advancements in human genetics have revealed several types of FH, including conventional monogenic FH, polygenic FH caused by common single nucleotide variations (SNV) accumulation associated with elevated LDL cholesterol, and oligogenic FH with multiple deleterious genetic variations leading to substantially elevated LDL cholesterol. The aforementioned findings collectively suggest the need for amassing information related to genetics and imaging, in addition to classical clinical elements, for the accurate diagnosis of FH in this era of personalized medicine. The current narrative review summarizes the current status of the clinical and genetic diagnosis of FH in children and adolescents, as well as provide useful management strategies for FH in children and adolescents based on currently available clinical evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Tada
- Department of Cardiology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masayuki Takamura
- Department of Cardiology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Masa-Aki Kawashiri
- Department of Cardiology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan
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Hendricks-Sturrup RM, Clark-LoCascio J, Lu CY. A Global Review on the Utility of Genetic Testing for Familial Hypercholesterolemia. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E23. [PMID: 32295171 PMCID: PMC7354443 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10020023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder of cholesterol metabolism that affects an estimated 1/250 persons in the United States and abroad. FH is hallmarked by high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and an increased risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This review summarizes recent global evidence showing the utility of FH genetic testing across diverse populations. Clinical and other qualitative outcomes following FH genetic testing were improved FH diagnosis, treatment initiation or continued treatment, treatment modification, improved total or LDL cholesterol levels, education on lifestyle management, and genetic counseling. This summary of evidence should be considered by those seeking overall evidence and knowledge gaps on the utility of FH genetic testing from a global perspective and for certain ethnic and age populations. These findings can be used to inform insurance policies and coverage decisions for FH genetic testing, policy recommendations to reduce the clinical and public health burden of FH, clinical practice and guidelines to improve the management of FH populations, and ongoing research involving FH genetic testing. We conclude that further investigations are needed to examine: (1) non-clinical outcomes following FH genetic testing; (2) patient-reported outcomes following FH genetic testing to convey patient experiences, values, and goals; and (3) clinical outcomes following FH genetic testing in non-Caucasian and pediatric populations in the United States and abroad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele M. Hendricks-Sturrup
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Jodi Clark-LoCascio
- Pallavi Patel College of Health Care Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA;
| | - Christine Y. Lu
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
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Overview of the current status of familial hypercholesterolaemia care in over 60 countries - The EAS Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Studies Collaboration (FHSC). Atherosclerosis 2019; 277:234-255. [PMID: 30270054 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2018.08.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Management of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) may vary across different settings due to factors related to population characteristics, practice, resources and/or policies. We conducted a survey among the worldwide network of EAS FHSC Lead Investigators to provide an overview of FH status in different countries. METHODS Lead Investigators from countries formally involved in the EAS FHSC by mid-May 2018 were invited to provide a brief report on FH status in their countries, including available information, programmes, initiatives, and management. RESULTS 63 countries provided reports. Data on FH prevalence are lacking in most countries. Where available, data tend to align with recent estimates, suggesting a higher frequency than that traditionally considered. Low rates of FH detection are reported across all regions. National registries and education programmes to improve FH awareness/knowledge are a recognised priority, but funding is often lacking. In most countries, diagnosis primarily relies on the Dutch Lipid Clinics Network criteria. Although available in many countries, genetic testing is not widely implemented (frequent cost issues). There are only a few national official government programmes for FH. Under-treatment is an issue. FH therapy is not universally reimbursed. PCSK9-inhibitors are available in ∼2/3 countries. Lipoprotein-apheresis is offered in ∼60% countries, although access is limited. CONCLUSIONS FH is a recognised public health concern. Management varies widely across countries, with overall suboptimal identification and under-treatment. Efforts and initiatives to improve FH knowledge and management are underway, including development of national registries, but support, particularly from health authorities, and better funding are greatly needed.
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Truong TH, Kim NT, Nguyen MNT, Pang J, Hooper AJ, Watts GF, Do DL. Homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia in Vietnam: Case series, genetics and cascade testing of families. Atherosclerosis 2019; 277:392-398. [PMID: 30270076 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2018.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Familial hypercholesterolaemia has not been previously described in the Vietnamese population. We aimed to describe the features of patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (hoFH) in Vietnam and the outcomes of screening family members using genetic and cholesterol testing. METHODS Mutation testing by massively parallel sequencing for genes causative of FH was undertaken in five index cases presenting to a single cardiac center with a presumptive diagnosis of hoFH. Cascade testing of all available family members was subsequently undertaken. The number of new cases of FH detected and commenced on lipid-lowering treatment was evaluated. RESULTS All five index cases had true homozygous mutations in the LDL receptor gene (LDLR). Cascade screening was undertaken in four families. 107 relatives were screened and FH was identified in 56 relatives (52%), including 3 new cases of hoFH. Only 5 FH relatives (9%) were subsequently treated owing to the adverse perceptions and comparative high cost of drug treatment, and lack of awareness of FH among patients and local doctors. CONCLUSIONS HoFH due to LDLR mutations is a severe disorder in Vietnam that needs early detection and treatment with LDL-cholesterol lowering drugs. Cascade testing of families allows effective detection of new cases of FH that may also benefit from early treatment. However, convincing patients to commence statin treatment is a challenge. Extended education and awareness programs and treatment subsidies are imperative to improve the care of patients and families suffering from FH in Vietnam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh Huong Truong
- Department of Cardiology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Vietnam National Heart Institute, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ngoc Thanh Kim
- Department of Cardiology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Vietnam National Heart Institute, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| | | | - Jing Pang
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Amanda J Hooper
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, PathWest Laboratory Medicine WA, Royal Perth Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital Network, Perth, Australia; School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Gerald F Watts
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Lipid Disorders Clinic, Cardiometabolic Services, Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - Doan Loi Do
- Department of Cardiology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam; Vietnam National Heart Institute, Bach Mai Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
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Stefanutti C, Pang J, Di Giacomo S, Wu X, Wang X, Morozzi C, Watts GF, Lin J. A cross-national investigation of cardiovascular survival in homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: The Sino-Roman Study. J Clin Lipidol 2019; 13:608-617. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Hendricks-Sturrup RM, Mazor KM, Sturm AC, Lu CY. Barriers and Facilitators to Genetic Testing for Familial Hypercholesterolemia in the United States: A Review. J Pers Med 2019; 9:jpm9030032. [PMID: 31266140 PMCID: PMC6789613 DOI: 10.3390/jpm9030032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an underdiagnosed condition in the United States (US) and globally, affecting an estimated 1/250 individuals. It is a genetic risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease and is responsible for an estimated 600,000 to 1.2 million preventable vascular events. Studies show that FH genetic testing can identify a causal gene variant in 60 to 80% of clinically suspected FH cases. However, FH genetic testing is currently underutilized in clinical settings in the US despite clinical recommendations and evidence supporting its use. Reasons for underutilization are not well understood. We conducted a literature review in the PubMed/MEDLINE database and eight peer-reviewed journals. After filtering for and reviewing 2340 articles against our inclusion criteria, we included nine commentaries or expert opinions and eight empirical studies reported between January 2014 and March 2019 in our review. After applying the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we identified a total of 26 potential barriers and 15 potential facilitators (estimated barrier to facilitator ratio of 1.73). We further estimated ratios of potential barriers to facilitators for each CFIR domain (Characteristics of Intervention, Outer Setting, Inner Setting, Characteristics of Individuals, and Process). Findings derived from our systematic approach to the literature and calculations of estimated baseline ratios of barriers and facilitators can guide future research to understand FH genetic testing implementation in diverse clinical settings. Our systematic approach to the CFIR could also be used as a model to understand or compare barriers and facilitators to other evidence-based genetic testing processes in health care settings in the US and abroad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachele M Hendricks-Sturrup
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215 USA.
| | - Kathleen M Mazor
- Meyers Primary Care Institute, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Amy C Sturm
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA 17822, USA
| | - Christine Y Lu
- Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215 USA
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Chen P, Chen X, Zhang S. Current Status of Familial Hypercholesterolemia in China: A Need for Patient FH Registry Systems. Front Physiol 2019; 10:280. [PMID: 30949068 PMCID: PMC6435575 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) greatly facilitates the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Without timely treatment, the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in patients with FH is 3 to 4 times that in non-FH patients, and the onset of CVD would be advanced by approximately 10 years. There is ample evidence that the diagnosis and adequate treatment of FH are not properly considered for all ethnicities. The monogenic cause of FH includes apolipoprotein B (APOB), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9). There are approximately 2,765,420 to 6,913,550 cases of potential heterozygous FH (HeFH) and 2,205 to 4,609 cases of potential homozygous FH (HoFH) in China. Nevertheless, China lacks clinical diagnostic criteria specific to Chinese patients, such that most FH patients cannot be diagnosed until middle age or after their first cardiovascular event, thus precluding early treatment. Objective: This article explores the gene mutations, diagnosis and treatment of FH patients in China. Following the implementation of the two-child policy, there is a need to establish Chinese FH registry systems and genetic databases and to address the challenges in conducting cascade screening and long-term management. Conclusion: Advocating the establishment of FH registry systems and databases is an important rate-limiting step in improving long-term prognosis in FH patients, so that joint efforts of clinical experts and public communities are required. We recommend a process flow from case identification to entry into the registry system, and the widespread use of the system in clinical applications can provide the best treatment guidance for medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shuyang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Peng J, Wu X, Wang S, Zhang S, Wang X, Liu Z, Hong J, Ye P, Lin J. Familial hypercholesterolemia in China half a century: A review of published literature. ATHEROSCLEROSIS SUPP 2019; 36:12-18. [PMID: 30876527 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosissup.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the status of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) research and the characteristics of patients with FH in China. METHODS Published papers in Chinese or English language from PubMed, SinoMed and CNKI databases from 1971 to March 2018 were searched using 'Familial hypercholesterolemia', 'Chinese' and 'Han' as keywords. A systematic review of studies on familial hypercholesterolemia was then conducted. RESULTS A total of 391 articles were found, in which 22% were in English and 78% were in Chinese; approximately 43% are case reports and 34% are genetic reports according to the study type; 52% discussed the status of the disease and 11% investigated the subclinical status according to the study content. Furthermore, 96% of the articles were published by tertiary hospitals and 46% were conducted by cardiologists. The first expert consensus was issued in February 2018. Of the 163 case reports published before 2018, 48.7% used the Chinese FH clinical diagnostic criteria and 34.4% did not clearly indicate the diagnostic criteria. The incidence rates of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and apolipoprotein B (APOB) mutations were 82% and 9%, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) mutations were rare in Chinese patients with FH. However, the data on lipid-lowering treatment rates, compliance rates and cardiovascular events in FH remain insufficient. CONCLUSIONS Large-scale epidemiological investigation of FH has not been demonstrated, the recognition of FH remains rudimentary, and the guidelines are incomplete in China. The diagnosis and management of Chinese FH needs to be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Peng
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases Beijing, 100029, China; Department of Atherosclerosis, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Xue Wu
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases Beijing, 100029, China; Department of Atherosclerosis, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Shilong Wang
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases Beijing, 100029, China; Department of Atherosclerosis, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Echo Cardiography, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Xumin Wang
- Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Zesen Liu
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases Beijing, 100029, China; Department of Echo Cardiography, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Jing Hong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Pucong Ye
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100038, China.
| | - Jie Lin
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart, Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases Beijing, 100029, China; Department of Atherosclerosis, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100029, China.
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Wu X, Pang J, Wang X, Peng J, Chen Y, Wang S, Watts GF, Lin J. Reverse cascade screening for familial hypercholesterolemia in high-risk Chinese families. Clin Cardiol 2017; 40:1169-1173. [PMID: 29168983 PMCID: PMC6490610 DOI: 10.1002/clc.22809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reverse cascade screening is not commonly employed to detect new cases of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). We aimed to assess the outcome of this screening strategy in families in which the probands were children with severe FH. HYPOTHESIS Reverse cascade screening is an effective method to detect new patients with FH. METHODS Reverse cascade screening was undertaken starting from 47 index children with severe hypercholesterolemia; 39 were homozygous/compound heterozygous FH and 8 were heterozygous FH. Available parents, siblings, and second-degree relatives were contacted and screened. RESULTS From the 39 cases of homozygous/compound heterozygous FH, 80 first-degree family members were available for screening; 70 were parents and 10 were siblings. All first-degree relatives screened were genetically diagnosed with FH. None of the parents had been treated with statins at the time of diagnosis, and 10 (12.7%) had premature coronary artery disease. Additionally, 46 second-degree relatives were screened, of which 41 (89%) were diagnosed with FH. From the 8 heterozygous FH children, 17 first- and second-degree relatives were screened and 12 new cases of FH were also diagnosed. Hence, the overall diagnostic yield of screening was 2.8 new cases of FH per index case. CONCLUSIONS Reverse cascade screening is a highly effective method for diagnosing new cases of FH in parents, siblings, and second-degree relatives of index children with severe FH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wu
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University–Beijing Institute of HeartLung and Blood Vessel DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Jing Pang
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical ScienceUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
| | - Xumin Wang
- Beijing Institute of GenomicsChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jie Peng
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University–Beijing Institute of HeartLung and Blood Vessel DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of CardiologyTianjin Chest HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Shilong Wang
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University–Beijing Institute of HeartLung and Blood Vessel DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Gerald F. Watts
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical ScienceUniversity of Western AustraliaPerthAustralia
- Lipid Disorders Clinic, Cardiometabolic Service, Department of CardiologyRoyal Perth HospitalPerthAustralia
| | - Jie Lin
- Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University–Beijing Institute of HeartLung and Blood Vessel DiseasesBeijingChina
- Department of Atherosclerosis, Beijing Anzhen HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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