1
|
Reijman MD, Kusters DM, Wiegman A. Current and emerging monoclonal antibodies for treating familial hypercholesterolemia in children. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2024; 24:243-249. [PMID: 38501269 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2024.2330948] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) is a common genetic disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the LDL-C metabolism. Lifelong exposure to elevated LDL-C levels leads to a high risk of premature cardiovascular disease. To reduce that risk, children with HeFH should be identified and treated with lipid-lowering therapy. The cornerstone consists of statins and ezetimibe, but not in all patients this lowers the LDL-C levels to treatment targets. For these patients, more intensive lipid-lowering therapy is needed. AREAS COVERED In this review, we provide an overview of the monoclonal antibodies which are currently available or being tested for treating HeFH in childhood. EXPERT OPINION Monoclonal antibodies that inhibit PCSK9 are first in line lipid-lowering treatment options if oral statin and ezetimibe therapy are insufficient, due to intolerance or very high baseline LDL-C levels. Both evolocumab and alirocumab have been shown to be safe and effective in children with HeFH. For children, evolocumab has been registered from the age of 10 years old and alirocumab from the age of 8 years old. The costs of these new agents are much higher than oral therapy, which makes it important to only use them in a selected patient population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Doortje Reijman
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - D Meeike Kusters
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Albert Wiegman
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Langslet G, Johansen AK, Bogsrud MP, Narverud I, Risstad H, Retterstøl K, Holven KB. Thirty percent of children and young adults with familial hypercholesterolemia treated with statins have adherence issues. Am J Prev Cardiol 2021; 6:100180. [PMID: 34327501 PMCID: PMC8315460 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2021.100180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
30% of young patients with FH had poor adherence to statins. Lack of motivation was the main reason. Higher age, more visits and years of follow-up associated with good adherence. Closer follow-up and focus on patient engagement is necessary.
Objective To assess adherence to lipid lowering therapy (LLT), reasons for poor adherence, and achievement of LDL-C treatment goals in children and young adults with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Methods Retrospective review of the medical records of 438 children that started follow-up at the Lipid Clinic, Oslo University hospital, between 1990 and 2010, and followed-up to the end of July 2019. Based on information on adherence to the LLT at the latest visit, patients were assigned to “good adherence” or “poor adherence” groups. Reasons for poor adherence were categorized as: “lack of motivation”, “ran out of drugs”, or “side effects”. Results Three hundred and seventy-one patients were included. Mean (SD) age and follow-up time at the latest visit was 24.0 (7.1) and 12.9 (6.7) years; 260 patients (70%, 95% CI: 65–74%) had “good adherence” and 111 (30%, 95% CI: 25–35%) had “poor adherence”. “Lack of motivation” was the most common reason for poor adherence (n = 85, 23%). In patients with good adherence, compared to patients with poor adherence, age at latest visit (24.6 versus 22.0 years; p = 0.001), years of follow-up (13.5 versus 11.4 years; p = 0.003), and number of visits (8.1 versus 6.5 visits; p<0.001) were significantly higher, whereas LDL-C at the latest visit was lower, (3.1 (0.8) versus 5.3 (1.6) mmol/L; p<0.001) and percentage of patients reaching LDL-C treatment goal was higher, (34.5% versus 2.7%; p<0.001). Gender, BMI, age at first visit and premature cardiovascular disease in first degree relatives were not significantly associated with adherence. Conclusion Thirty percent of young patients with FH had poor adherence to LLT, with lack of motivation as the main reason. Higher age, more visits and more years of follow-up were associated with good adherence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gisle Langslet
- Lipid Clinic, Oslo University Hospital, Aker Sykehus, P.O. Box 4959 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anja K Johansen
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1046 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martin P Bogsrud
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Unit for Cardiac and Cardiovascular Genetics, Oslo University hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingunn Narverud
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1046 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde Risstad
- Lipid Clinic, Oslo University Hospital, Aker Sykehus, P.O. Box 4959 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kjetil Retterstøl
- Lipid Clinic, Oslo University Hospital, Aker Sykehus, P.O. Box 4959 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway.,Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1046 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kirsten B Holven
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1046 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kavey REW, Manlhiot C, Runeckles K, Collins T, Gidding SS, Demczko M, Clauss S, Harahsheh AS, Mietus-Syder M, Khoury M, Madsen N, McCrindle BW. Effectiveness and Safety of Statin Therapy in Children: A Real-World Clinical Practice Experience. CJC Open 2020; 2:473-482. [PMID: 33305206 PMCID: PMC7710927 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjco.2020.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statin use for hypercholesterolemia in children is predominantly reported from short-term clinical trials. In this study, we assess the efficacy and safety of statin treatment in clinical pediatric practice. METHODS Records of all patients who began statin treatment at age <18 years and remained on statins for >6 months from 5 pediatric lipid clinics were reviewed. Information at baseline and from all clinic evaluations after statin initiation was recorded, including lipid measurements, statin drug/dose, safety measures (anthropometry, hepatic enzymes, creatine kinase levels), and symptoms. Lipid changes on statin therapy were assessed from baseline to 6 ± 3 months and from 6 ± 3 months to last follow-up with a mixed-effects model, using piecewise linear splines to describe temporal changes, controlling for repeated measures, sex, and age. RESULTS There were 289 patients with median low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 5.3 mmol/L (interquartile range [IQR]:4.5-6.5) and mean age of 12.4 ± 2.9 years at statin initiation. Median duration of therapy was 2.7 years (IQR: 1.6-4.5) with 95% on statins at last evaluation. There were significant decreases in total cholesterol, LDL-C, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) from baseline to 6 ± 3 months (P < 0.001) and from 6 ±3 months to last follow-up (P < 0.001). Triglycerides and HDL-C were unchanged but the triglyceride to HDL-C ratio decreased significantly by late follow-up. At final evaluation, median LDL-C had decreased to 3.4 mmol/L (IQR:2.8-4.2). No patient had statins discontinued for safety measures or symptoms. CONCLUSIONS In real-world clinical practice, intermediate-term statin treatment is effective and safe in children and adolescents with severe LDL-C elevation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rae-Ellen W. Kavey
- Preventive Cardiology—Lipid Clinic, Golisano Children’s Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Cedric Manlhiot
- The Labatt Family Heart Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyle Runeckles
- The Labatt Family Heart Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tanveer Collins
- The Labatt Family Heart Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samuel S. Gidding
- Preventive Cardiology—Lipid Clinic, Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Matthew Demczko
- Preventive Cardiology—Lipid Clinic, Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Sarah Clauss
- Preventive Cardiology Program—Lipid Clinic, Children’s National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ashraf S. Harahsheh
- Preventive Cardiology Program—Lipid Clinic, Children’s National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michele Mietus-Syder
- Preventive Cardiology Program—Lipid Clinic, Children’s National Hospital, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael Khoury
- Pediatric Lipid Clinic, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Nicolas Madsen
- Pediatric Lipid Clinic, The Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Brian W. McCrindle
- The Labatt Family Heart Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Alonso R, Perez de Isla L, Muñiz-Grijalvo O, Mata P. Barriers to Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Current Perspectives on Improving Patient Care. Vasc Health Risk Manag 2020; 16:11-25. [PMID: 32021224 PMCID: PMC6957097 DOI: 10.2147/vhrm.s192401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a frequent disorder associated with premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Different clinical diagnosis criteria are available, and cost of genetic testing has been reduced in the last years; however, most cases are not diagnosed worldwide. Patients with FH are at high cardiovascular risk and the risk can be reduced with lifelong lifestyle and pharmacological treatment. Statins and ezetimibe are available as generic drugs in most countries reducing the cost of treatment. However, the use of high-intensity statins combined with ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors, if necessary, is low for different reasons that contribute to a high number of patients not reaching LDL-C targets according to guidelines. On the other hand, cardiovascular risk varies greatly in families with FH; therefore, risk stratification strategies including cardiovascular imaging is another element to consider for improving care and management of FH. There are numerous barriers depending on the awareness, knowledge, perception of risk, management and care of patients living with FH that impact in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. In this contemporary review, we analyze different barriers in the diagnosis and care of patients to improve patients’ care and prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and describe recent advances and strategies to improve the gaps in the care of FH, including global collaboration and advocacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Alonso
- Department of Nutrition, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile.,Fundación Hipercolesterolemia Familiar, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Pedro Mata
- Fundación Hipercolesterolemia Familiar, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kinnear FJ, Wainwright E, Perry R, Lithander FE, Bayly G, Huntley A, Cox J, Shield JP, Searle A. Enablers and barriers to treatment adherence in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia: a qualitative evidence synthesis. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e030290. [PMID: 31371299 PMCID: PMC6677970 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). This risk can be substantially reduced with lifelong pharmacological and lifestyle treatment; however, research suggests adherence is poor. We synthesised the qualitative research to identify enablers and barriers to treatment adherence. DESIGN This study conducted a thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO via OVID, Cochrane library and CINAHL databases and grey literature sources were searched through September 2018. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included studies conducted in individuals with FH, and their family members, which reported primary qualitative data regarding their experiences of and beliefs about their condition and its treatment. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Quality assessment was undertaken using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme for qualitative studies. A thematic synthesis was conducted to uncover descriptive and generate analytical themes. These findings were then used to identify enablers and barriers to treatment adherence for application in clinical practice. RESULTS 24 papers reporting the findings of 15 population samples (264 individuals with FH and 13 of their family members) across 8 countries were included. Data captured within 20 descriptive themes were considered in relation to treatment adherence and 6 analytical themes were generated: risk assessment; perceived personal control of health; disease identity; family influence; informed decision-making; and incorporating treatment into daily life. These findings were used to identify seven enablers (eg, 'commencement of treatment from a young age') and six barriers (eg, 'incorrect and/or inadequate knowledge of treatment advice') to treatment adherence. There were insufficient data to explore if the findings differed between adults and children. CONCLUSIONS The findings reveal several enablers and barriers to treatment adherence in individuals with FH. These could be used in clinical practice to facilitate optimal adherence to lifelong treatment thereby minimising the risk of CVD in this vulnerable population. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42018085946.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona J Kinnear
- The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nutrition theme, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Elaine Wainwright
- Psychology Department, Bath Spa University, Bath, UK
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Rachel Perry
- The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nutrition theme, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Fiona E Lithander
- The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nutrition theme, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Graham Bayly
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - Alyson Huntley
- Population Health Science, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jennifer Cox
- The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nutrition theme, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Julian Ph Shield
- The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nutrition theme, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Aidan Searle
- The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Bristol Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nutrition theme, University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Alonso R, Cuevas A, Cafferata A. Diagnosis and Management of Statin Intolerance. J Atheroscler Thromb 2019; 26:207-215. [PMID: 30662020 PMCID: PMC6402887 DOI: 10.5551/jat.rv17030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Statins are the main treatment for hypercholesterolemia and the cornerstone of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention. Many patients taking statins report muscle-related symptoms, one of the most important causes of statin treatment discontinuation, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Therefore, it is important to identify patients who are truly statin intolerant to avoid unnecessary discontinuation of this beneficial treatment. Some studies indicate that not all muscle complaints are caused by statins, and most patients can tolerate a statin upon re-challenge, down-titration of dose, or switching to another statin. In this paper, we review the definitions of statin intolerance and approaches to reducing cardiovascular risk among individuals reporting statin-associated muscle symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Alonso
- Department of Nutrition, Clinica Las Condes, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Ada Cuevas
- Department of Nutrition, Clinica Las Condes, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Alberto Cafferata
- Cardiovacular Prevention Department. Sanatorio Finochietto, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ungar L, Sanders D, Becerra B, Barseghian A. Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Familial Hypercholesterolemia Is Understudied. Front Cardiovasc Med 2018; 5:116. [PMID: 30214904 PMCID: PMC6125301 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2018.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common heritable condition in which mutations of genes governing cholesterol metabolism result in elevated LDL levels and accelerated atherosclerosis. The treatment of FH focuses on lipid lowering drugs to decrease patients' cholesterol levels and reduce their risk of cardiovascular events. Even with optimal medical therapy, some FH patients will develop coronary atherosclerosis, suffer myocardial infarction, and require revascularization. Yet, the revascularization of FH patients has not been widely studied. Here we review FH, identify unanswered questions in the interventional management of FH patients, and explore barriers and opportunities for answering these questions. Further research is needed in this neglected but important topic in interventional cardiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leo Ungar
- Department of Cardiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - David Sanders
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Brian Becerra
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Ailin Barseghian
- Department of Cardiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alonso R, Perez de Isla L, Muñiz-Grijalvo O, Diaz-Diaz JL, Mata P. Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Diagnosis and Management. Eur Cardiol 2018; 13:14-20. [PMID: 30310464 DOI: 10.15420/ecr.2018:10:2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolaemia is the most common monogenic disorder associated with premature coronary artery disease. Mutations are most frequently found in the LDL receptor gene. Clinical criteria can be used to make the diagnosis; however, genetic testing will confirm the disorder and is very useful for cascade screening. Early identification and adequate treatment can improve prognosis, reducing negative clinical cardiovascular outcomes. Patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia are considered at high cardiovascular risk and the treatment target is LDL cholesterol <2.6 mmol/l or at least a 50 % reduction in LDL cholesterol. Patients require intensive treatment with statins and ezetimibe and/or colesevelam. Recently, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors have been approved for the management of familial hypercholesterolaemia on top of statins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Alonso
- Department of Nutrition, Clínica Las Condes Santiago, Chile
| | - Leopoldo Perez de Isla
- Cardiology Department, Clinical Hospital San Carlos, IDISSC, Complutense University Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jose Luis Diaz-Diaz
- Department of Internal Medicine, University A Coruña Hospital A Coruña, Spain
| | - Pedro Mata
- Spanish Familial Hypercholesterolemia Foundation Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|