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Alieva A, Di Costanzo A, Gazzotti M, Reutova O, Usova E, Bakaleiko V, Arca M, D'Erasmo L, Pellegatta F, Galimberti F, Olmastroni E, Catapano AL, Casula M. Genetic heterogeneity of familial hypercholesterolaemia in two populations from two different countries. Eur J Intern Med 2024; 123:65-71. [PMID: 38245461 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetically determined monogenic disorder of predominantly autosomal dominant inheritance. A number of studies on differences in the genetic profile of patients with FH have demonstrated the importance of a more substantive evaluation of genetic features. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic profile of patients with clinical FH among Italian and Russian patients. METHODS We included 144 Italian and 79 Russian FH patients; clinical diagnosis was based on the same criteria. Patients were divided in: positive to genetic test (one causative variant), inconclusive (only variants of uncertain clinical significance [VUS]), and negative (with likely benign/benign variants, heterozygous variants in LDLRAP1 gene, or without causative variants). RESULTS The genetic test was positive in 76.4 % of the Italian patients and in 49.4 % of the Russian patients. The presence of VUS alone was detected in 7.6 % and in 19.0 % (p < 0.001), respectively. Among patients with positive genetic diagnosis, pre-treatment LDL-C levels were higher in the Russian cohort (353.5 ± 111.3 vs. 302.7 ± 52.1 mg/dL, p = 0.009), as well as the percentage of treated patients (53.8 % vs. 14.5 %, p < 0.001) and the prevalence of premature coronary heart disease (12.8 % vs. 3.6 %, p = 0.039). Among patients carrying only VUS, mean pre-treatment LDL-C levels were similar between the cohorts (299.5 ± 68.1 vs. 295.3 ± 46.8 mg/dL, p = 0.863). Among pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants and VUS, only 5 % and 4 % was shared between the two cohorts, respectively. CONCLUSION The genetic background of patients clinically diagnosed with FH in two different countries is characterized by high variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asiiat Alieva
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Alessia Di Costanzo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Olga Reutova
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Elena Usova
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Marcello Arca
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura D'Erasmo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Elena Olmastroni
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, Italy; Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DisFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberico L Catapano
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, Italy; Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DisFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Casula
- IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, Italy; Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (DisFeB), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Cardiero G, Ferrandino M, Calcaterra IL, Iannuzzo G, Di Minno MND, Buganza R, Guardamagna O, Auricchio R, Di Taranto MD, Fortunato G. Impact of 12-SNP and 6-SNP Polygenic Scores on Predisposition to High LDL-Cholesterol Levels in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:462. [PMID: 38674396 PMCID: PMC11050365 DOI: 10.3390/genes15040462] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) comprises high LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) levels and high cardiovascular disease risk. In the absence of pathogenic variants in causative genes, a polygenic basis was hypothesized. METHODS In a population of 418 patients (excluding homozygotes) with clinical suspicion of FH, the FH-causative genes and the regions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) included in 12-SNP and 6-SNP scores were sequenced by next-generation sequencing, allowing for the detection of pathogenic variants (V+) in 220 patients. To make a comparison, only patients without uncertain significance variants (V-/USV-) were considered (n = 162). RESULTS Higher values of both scores were observed in V+ than in V-. Considering a cut-off leading to 80% of V-/USV- as score-positive, a lower prevalence of patients positive for both 12-SNP and 6-SNP scores was observed in V+ (p = 0.010 and 0.033, respectively). Mainly for the 12-SNP score, among V+ patients, higher LDL-c levels were observed in score-positive (223 mg/dL -IQR 187-279) than in negative patients (212 mg/dL -IQR 162-240; p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis confirmed the association of scores and LDL-c levels independently of age, sex, and presence of pathogenic variants and revealed a greater association in children. CONCLUSIONS The 12-SNP and 6-SNP polygenic scores could explain hypercholesterolemia in patients without pathogenic variants as well as the variability of LDL-c levels among patients with FH-causative variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Cardiero
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (M.F.); (G.F.)
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Ferrandino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (M.F.); (G.F.)
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Ilenia Lorenza Calcaterra
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.L.C.); (G.I.); (M.N.D.D.M.)
| | - Gabriella Iannuzzo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.L.C.); (G.I.); (M.N.D.D.M.)
| | - Matteo Nicola Dario Di Minno
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (I.L.C.); (G.I.); (M.N.D.D.M.)
| | - Raffaele Buganza
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Sanità Pubblica e Pediatriche, Università di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.B.); (O.G.)
| | - Ornella Guardamagna
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Sanità Pubblica e Pediatriche, Università di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.B.); (O.G.)
| | - Renata Auricchio
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche Traslazionali, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Maria Donata Di Taranto
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (M.F.); (G.F.)
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuliana Fortunato
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (G.C.); (M.F.); (G.F.)
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, 80145 Naples, Italy
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Vinci P, Fiotti N, Panizon E, Tosoni LM, Cerrato C, Pellicori F, Pirulli A, Altamura N, Schincariol P, Di Girolamo FG, Biolo G. Epidemiology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in polygenic hypercholesterolemia with or without high lipoprotein(a) levels. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 10:1272288. [PMID: 38322275 PMCID: PMC10845343 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1272288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Epidemiology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease might be different in patients with polygenic hypercholesterolemia plus high levels (≥30 mg/dl) of Lp(a) (H-Lpa) than in those with polygenic hypercholesterolemia alone (H-LDL). We compared the incidence of peripheral artery disease (PAD), coronary artery disease (CAD), and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in patients with H-Lpa and in those with H-LDL. Methods Retrospective analysis of demographics, risk factors, vascular events, therapy, and lipid profile in outpatient clinical data. Inclusion criteria was adult age, diagnosis of polygenic hypercholesterolemia, and both indication and availability for Lp(a) measurement. Results Medical records of 258 patients with H-Lpa and 290 H-LDL were reviewed for occurrence of vascular events. The median duration of follow-up was 10 years (IQR 3-16). In spite of a similar reduction of LDL cholesterol, vascular events occurred more frequently, and approximately 7 years earlier (P = 0.024) in patients with H-Lpa than in H-LDL (HR 1.96 1.21-3.17, P = 0.006). The difference was around 10 years for acute events (TIA, Stroke, acute coronary events) and one year for chronic ones (P = 0.023 and 0.525, respectively). Occurrence of acute CAD was higher in H-Lpa men (HR 3.1, 95% CI 1.2-7.9, P = 0.007) while, among women, PAD was observed exclusively in H-Lpa subjects with smoking habits (P = 0.009). Conclusions Patients with high Lp(a) levels suffer from a larger and earlier burden of the disease compared to those with polygenic hypercholesterolemia alone. These patients are at higher risk of CAD if they are men, and of PAD if they are women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierandrea Vinci
- U.C.O. Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste and ASUGI, Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicola Fiotti
- U.C.O. Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste and ASUGI, Trieste, Italy
| | - Emiliano Panizon
- U.C.O. Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste and ASUGI, Trieste, Italy
| | - Letizia Maria Tosoni
- U.C.O. Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste and ASUGI, Trieste, Italy
| | - Carla Cerrato
- U.C.O. Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste and ASUGI, Trieste, Italy
| | - Federica Pellicori
- U.C.O. Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste and ASUGI, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessia Pirulli
- U.C.O. Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste and ASUGI, Trieste, Italy
| | - Nicola Altamura
- U.C.O. Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste and ASUGI, Trieste, Italy
| | - Paolo Schincariol
- Hospital Pharmacy, Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Filippo Giorgio Di Girolamo
- U.C.O. Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste and ASUGI, Trieste, Italy
- Hospital Pharmacy, Cattinara Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gianni Biolo
- U.C.O. Clinica Medica, Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste and ASUGI, Trieste, Italy
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Casula M, Gazzotti M, Capra ME, Olmastroni E, Galimberti F, Catapano AL, Pederiva C. Refinement of the diagnostic approach for the identification of children and adolescents affected by familial hypercholesterolemia: Evidence from the LIPIGEN study. Atherosclerosis 2023; 385:117231. [PMID: 37648636 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2023.117231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We aimed to describe the limitations of familiar hypercholesterolemia (FH) diagnosis in childhood based on the presence of the typical features of FH, such as physical sings of cholesterol accumulation and personal or family history of premature cardiovascular disease or hypercholesterolemia, comparing their prevalence in the adult and paediatric FH population, and to illustrate how additional information can lead to a more effective diagnosis of FH at a younger age. METHODS From the Italian LIPIGEN cohort, we selected 1188 (≥18 years) and 708 (<18 years) genetically-confirmed heterozygous FH, with no missing personal FH features. The prevalence of personal and familial FH features was compared between the two groups. For a sub-group of the paediatric cohort (N = 374), data about premature coronary heart disease (CHD) in second-degree family members were also included in the evaluation. RESULTS The lower prevalence of typical FH features in children/adolescents vs adults was confirmed: the prevalence of tendon xanthoma was 2.1% vs 13.1%, and arcus cornealis was present in 1.6% vs 11.2% of the cohorts, respectively. No children presented clinical history of premature CHD or cerebral/peripheral vascular disease compared to 8.8% and 5.6% of adults, respectively. The prevalence of premature CHD in first-degree relatives was significantly higher in adults compared to children/adolescents (38.9% vs 19.7%). In the sub-cohort analysis, a premature CHD event in parents was reported in 63 out of 374 subjects (16.8%), but the percentage increased to 54.0% extending the evaluation also to second-degree relatives. CONCLUSIONS In children, the typical FH features are clearly less informative than in adults. A more thorough data collection, adding information about second-degree relatives, could improve the diagnosis of FH at younger age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Casula
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, 20133, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, 20099, Italy.
| | - Marta Gazzotti
- Fondazione SISA (Società Italiana per lo Studio dell'Aterosclerosi), 20133, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Capra
- Centre for Paediatric Dyslipidaemias, Paediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Elena Olmastroni
- Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP), Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, 20133, Italy; IRCCS MultiMedica, Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, 20099, Italy
| | | | | | - Cristina Pederiva
- Clinical Service for Dyslipidaemias, Study and Prevention of Atherosclerosis in Childhood, Paediatrics Unit, ASST-Santi Paolo e Carlo, 20142, Milan, Italy
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5
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Latkovskis G, Rescenko-Krums R, Nesterovics G, Briviba M, Saripo V, Gilis D, Terauda E, Meiere R, Skudrina G, Erglis A, Chora JR, Bourbon M, Klovins J. Genetic Characteristics of Latvian Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: The First Analysis from Genome-Wide Sequencing. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5160. [PMID: 37568561 PMCID: PMC10419451 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12155160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited data on the genetic characteristics of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in Latvia. We aim to describe monogenic variants in patients from the Latvian Registry of FH (LRFH). METHODS Whole genome sequencing with 30× coverage was performed in unrelated index cases from the LRFH and the Genome Database of Latvian Population. LDLR, APOB, PCSK9, LDLRAP1, ABCG5, ABCG8, LIPA, LPA, CYP27A1, and APOE genes were analyzed. Only variants annotated as pathogenic (P) or likely pathogenic (LP) using the FH Variant Curation Expert Panel guidelines for LDLR and adaptations for APOB and PCSK9 were reported. RESULTS Among 163 patients, the mean highest documented LDL-cholesterol level was 7.47 ± 1.60 mmol/L, and 79.1% of patients had LDL-cholesterol ≥6.50 mmol/L. A total of 15 P/LP variants were found in 34 patients (diagnostic yield: 20.9%): 14 in the LDLR gene and 1 in the APOB gene. Additionally, 24, 54, and 13 VUS were detected in LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9, respectively. No P/LP variants were identified in the other tested genes. CONCLUSIONS Despite the high clinical likelihood of FH, confirmed P/LP variants were detected in only 20.9% of patients in the Latvian cohort when assessed with genome-wide next generation sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavs Latkovskis
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia (V.S.); (E.T.)
- Latvian Center of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | | | - Georgijs Nesterovics
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia (V.S.); (E.T.)
- Latvian Center of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Monta Briviba
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
| | - Vita Saripo
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia (V.S.); (E.T.)
- Latvian Center of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
| | - Dainus Gilis
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia (V.S.); (E.T.)
- Latvian Center of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Elizabete Terauda
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia (V.S.); (E.T.)
- Latvian Center of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Ruta Meiere
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia (V.S.); (E.T.)
- Latvian Center of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
| | - Gunda Skudrina
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia (V.S.); (E.T.)
- Latvian Center of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
| | - Andrejs Erglis
- Institute of Cardiology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia (V.S.); (E.T.)
- Latvian Center of Cardiology, Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital, LV-1002 Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Latvia, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
| | - Joana Rita Chora
- Department of Health Promotion and Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, 164-9016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, BioISI—BioSystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Bourbon
- Department of Health Promotion and Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, 164-9016 Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, BioISI—BioSystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1649-004 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Janis Klovins
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, LV-1067 Riga, Latvia
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Allevi M, Sarnari S, Giulietti F, Spannella F, Di Pentima C, Sarzani R. Painful and recurring injection site reaction to alirocumab and evolocumab in a young woman with familial hypercholesterolemia and effective therapeutic alternative based on inclisiran: a case report. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1181720. [PMID: 37424909 PMCID: PMC10326624 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1181720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A 28-year-old woman with autosomal dominant familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) with a probable coexistent polygenic contribution causing very high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, started therapy with the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9-inhibitor (PCSK9i) alirocumab, in addition to high-intensity statin plus ezetimibe. Forty-eight hours after the second injection of alirocumab, the patient developed a painful palpable injection site reaction (ISR) that recurred after the third administration of the drug. Treatment was then switched to evolocumab, another PCSK9i, but the patient had an ISR with similar features. The most conceivable cause of the ISR was a cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to polysorbate, an excipient contained in both drugs. Although ISR after PCSK9i administration is usually transient and does not compromise the continuation of treatment, in this case the recurrence of such side effect in an exacerbated way led to treatment withdrawal, with a subsequent re-exposure to increased cardiovascular (CV) risk. As soon as it became available in clinical practice, the patient started treatment with inclisiran, a small interfering RNA targeting hepatic PCSK9 synthesis. No adverse events were reported after inclisiran administration and LDL-C levels decreased significantly, confirming the evidence that this innovative approach to hypercholesterolemia is a safe and effective resource in patients at high CV risk who cannot achieve LDL-C goal with conventional lipid-lowering therapies and antibody-based PCSK9i.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Allevi
- Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Sarnari
- Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Spannella
- Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Sarzani
- Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, University “Politecnica delle Marche”, Ancona, Italy
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Olmastroni E, Gazzotti M, Averna M, Arca M, Tarugi P, Calandra S, Bertolini S, Catapano AL, Casula M. Lipoprotein(a) Genotype Influences the Clinical Diagnosis of Familial Hypercholesterolemia. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e029223. [PMID: 37183858 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.029223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Background Evidence suggests that LPA risk genotypes are a possible contributor to the clinical diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). This study aimed at determining the prevalence of LPA risk variants in adult individuals with FH enrolled in the Italian LIPIGEN (Lipid Transport Disorders Italian Genetic Network) study, with (FH/M+) or without (FH/M-) a causative genetic variant. Methods and Results An lp(a) [lipoprotein(a)] genetic score was calculated by summing the number risk-increasing alleles inherited at rs3798220 and rs10455872 variants. Overall, in the 4.6% of 1695 patients with clinically diagnosed FH, the phenotype was not explained by a monogenic or polygenic cause but by genotype associated with high lp(a) levels. Among 765 subjects with FH/M- and 930 subjects with FH/M+, 133 (17.4%) and 95 (10.2%) were characterized by 1 copy of either rs10455872 or rs3798220 or 2 copies of either rs10455872 or rs3798220 (lp(a) score ≥1). Subjects with FH/M- also had lower mean levels of pretreatment low-density lipoprotein cholesterol than individuals with FH/M+ (t test for difference in means between FH/M- and FH/M+ groups <0.0001); however, subjects with FH/M- and lp(a) score ≥1 had higher mean (SD) pretreatment low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (223.47 [50.40] mg/dL) compared with subjects with FH/M- and lp(a) score=0 (219.38 [54.54] mg/dL for), although not statistically significant. The adjustment of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels based on lp(a) concentration reduced from 68% to 42% the proportion of subjects with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level ≥190 mg/dL (or from 68% to 50%, considering a more conservative formula). Conclusions Our study supports the importance of measuring lp(a) to perform the diagnosis of FH appropriately and to exclude that the observed phenotype is driven by elevated levels of lp(a) before performing the genetic test for FH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Olmastroni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP) University of Milan Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Averna
- Department ProMISE (Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties) University of Palermo Italy
| | - Marcello Arca
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine Sapienza University of Rome Italy
| | - Patrizia Tarugi
- Department of Life Sciences University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Italy
| | - Sebastiano Calandra
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Italy
| | | | - Alberico L Catapano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP) University of Milan Italy
- IRCCS MultiMedica Sesto San Giovanni (MI) Italy
| | - Manuela Casula
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Epidemiology and Preventive Pharmacology Service (SEFAP) University of Milan Italy
- IRCCS MultiMedica Sesto San Giovanni (MI) Italy
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Thayabaran D, Tsui APT, Ebmeier S, Cegla J, David A, Jones B. The effect of adjusting LDL-cholesterol for Lp(a)-cholesterol on the diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia. J Clin Lipidol 2023; 17:244-254. [PMID: 36870882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) diagnostic tools help prioritise patients for genetic testing and include LDL-C estimates commonly calculated using the Friedewald equation. However, cholesterol contributions from lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) can overestimate 'true' LDL-C, leading to potentially inappropriate clinical FH diagnosis. OBJECTIVE To assess how adjusting LDL-C for Lp(a)-cholesterol affects FH diagnoses using Simon Broome (SB) and Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria. METHODS Adults referred to a tertiary lipid clinic in London, UK were included if they had undergone FH genetic testing based on SB or DLCN criteria. LDL-C was adjusted for Lp(a)-cholesterol using estimated cholesterol contents of 17.3%, 30% and 45%, and the effects of these adjustments on reclassification to 'unlikely' FH and diagnostic accuracy were determined. RESULTS Depending on the estimated cholesterol content applied, LDL-C adjustment reclassified 8-23% and 6-17% of patients to 'unlikely' FH using SB and DLCN criteria, respectively. The highest reclassification rates were observed following 45% adjustment in mutation-negative patients with higher Lp(a) levels. This led to an improvement in diagnostic accuracy (46% to 57% with SB, and 32% to 44% with DLCN following 45% adjustment) through increased specificity. However all adjustment factors led to erroneous reclassification of mutation-positive patients to 'unlikely' FH. CONCLUSION LDL-C adjustment for Lp(a)-cholesterol improves the accuracy of clinical FH diagnostic tools. Adopting this approach would reduce unnecessary genetic testing but also incorrectly reclassify mutation-positive patients. Health economic analysis is needed to balance the risks of over- and under-diagnosis before LDL-C adjustments for Lp(a) can be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darmiga Thayabaran
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK (Drs Thayabaran, Cegla, David and Jones)
| | | | - Stefan Ebmeier
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, London, UK (Dr Ebmeier)
| | - Jaimini Cegla
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK (Drs Thayabaran, Cegla, David and Jones); Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK (Drs Cegla and Jones)
| | - Alessia David
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK (Drs Thayabaran, Cegla, David and Jones); Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK (Dr David)
| | - Ben Jones
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK (Drs Thayabaran, Cegla, David and Jones); Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK (Drs Cegla and Jones).
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9
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Borg SÁ, Sørensen Bork C, Skjelbo Nielsen MR, Jóanesarson J, Zaremba T, Lolas IBY, Lundbye-Christensen S, Søgaard P, Berg Schmidt E, Joensen AM. Subclinical atherosclerosis determined by coronary artery calcium deposition in patients with clinical familial hypercholesterolemia. ATHEROSCLEROSIS PLUS 2022; 50:65-71. [PMID: 36643796 PMCID: PMC9833248 DOI: 10.1016/j.athplu.2022.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background and aims Limited knowledge exists regarding the association between coronary artery calcium (CAC) deposition in patients with clinical familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and FH subtypes such as polygenic causes. We studied CAC score in patients with clinical FH and subtypes including polygenic causes of FH compared to healthy controls. Methods In a case-control study, we identified potential clinical FH cases registered with an LDL-C >6.7 mmol/l within a nationwide clinical laboratory database on the Faroe Islands and invited them for diagnostic evaluation according to clinical FH scoring systems. Controls were identified in the background population. All subjects were aged 18-75 years and without a history of cardiovascular disease. FH mutation testing and genotypes of twelve LDL-C associated single nucleotide polymorphisms were determined using conventional methods in selected individuals. CAC scores were assessed by cardiac CT. Odds ratios obtained using multivariate logistic regression were used as measures of association. Results A total of 120 clinical FH patients and 117 age- and sex-matched controls were recruited. We found a very low frequency of monogenic FH (3%), but a high level of polygenic FH (60%) in those genetically tested (54%). There was a statistically significant association between the CAC score and a diagnosis of clinical FH with the highest observed odds ratio of 5.59 (95% CI 1.65; 18.94, p = 0.006) in those with a CAC score ≥300 compared to those with a CAC of zero. In supplemental analyses, there was a strong association between CAC scores and clinical FH of a polygenic cause. Conclusion We found a statistically significant association between CAC levels and clinical FH with the highest observed risk estimates among clinical FH cases of a presumed polygenic cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanna á Borg
- Department of Medicine, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Faroe Islands,Corresponding author. Department of Medicine, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, J.C. Svabosgøta 41-19, 100, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands.
| | | | | | - Jan Jóanesarson
- Department of Medicine, National Hospital of the Faroe Islands, Faroe Islands
| | - Tomas Zaremba
- Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | | | - Peter Søgaard
- Department of Cardiology, Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark
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10
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Gandhi GD, Aamer W, Krishnamoorthy N, Syed N, Aliyev E, Al-Maraghi A, Kohailan M, Alenbawi J, Elanbari M, Mifsud B, Mokrab Y, Khalil CA, Fakhro KA. Assessing the genetic burden of familial hypercholesterolemia in a large middle eastern biobank. J Transl Med 2022; 20:502. [PMID: 36329474 PMCID: PMC9635206 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03697-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The genetic architecture underlying Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) in Middle Eastern Arabs is yet to be fully described, and approaches to assess this from population-wide biobanks are important for public health planning and personalized medicine. METHODS We evaluate the pilot phase cohort (n = 6,140 adults) of the Qatar Biobank (QBB) for FH using the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria, followed by an in-depth characterization of all genetic alleles in known dominant (LDLR, APOB, and PCSK9) and recessive (LDLRAP1, ABCG5, ABCG8, and LIPA) FH-causing genes derived from whole-genome sequencing (WGS). We also investigate the utility of a globally established 12-SNP polygenic risk score to predict FH individuals in this cohort with Arab ancestry. RESULTS Using DLCN criteria, we identify eight (0.1%) 'definite', 41 (0.7%) 'probable' and 334 (5.4%) 'possible' FH individuals, estimating a prevalence of 'definite or probable' FH in the Qatari cohort of ~ 1:125. We identify ten previously known pathogenic single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) and 14 putatively novel SNVs, as well as one novel copy number variant in PCSK9. Further, despite the modest sample size, we identify one homozygote for a known pathogenic variant (ABCG8, p. Gly574Arg, global MAF = 4.49E-05) associated with Sitosterolemia 2. Finally, calculation of polygenic risk scores found that individuals with 'definite or probable' FH have a significantly higher LDL-C SNP score than 'unlikely' individuals (p = 0.0003), demonstrating its utility in Arab populations. CONCLUSION We design and implement a standardized approach to phenotyping a population biobank for FH risk followed by systematically identifying known variants and assessing putative novel variants contributing to FH burden in Qatar. Our results motivate similar studies in population-level biobanks - especially those with globally under-represented ancestries - and highlight the importance of genetic screening programs for early detection and management of individuals with high FH risk in health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geethanjali Devadoss Gandhi
- grid.452146.00000 0004 1789 3191College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar ,grid.467063.00000 0004 0397 4222Human Genetics Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Waleed Aamer
- grid.467063.00000 0004 0397 4222Human Genetics Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Najeeb Syed
- grid.467063.00000 0004 0397 4222Bioinformatics, Genomic Data Science Core, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Elbay Aliyev
- grid.467063.00000 0004 0397 4222Human Genetics Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Aljazi Al-Maraghi
- grid.467063.00000 0004 0397 4222Human Genetics Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Muhammad Kohailan
- grid.452146.00000 0004 1789 3191College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar ,grid.467063.00000 0004 0397 4222Human Genetics Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jamil Alenbawi
- grid.452146.00000 0004 1789 3191College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammed Elanbari
- grid.467063.00000 0004 0397 4222Clinical Research Centre, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Borbala Mifsud
- grid.452146.00000 0004 1789 3191College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar
| | - Younes Mokrab
- grid.452146.00000 0004 1789 3191College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar ,grid.467063.00000 0004 0397 4222Laboratory of Medical and Population Genomics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar ,grid.416973.e0000 0004 0582 4340Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Education City, Qatar
| | - Charbel Abi Khalil
- grid.416973.e0000 0004 0582 4340Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Education City, Qatar ,grid.5386.8000000041936877XJoan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, US
| | - Khalid A. Fakhro
- grid.452146.00000 0004 1789 3191College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha, Qatar ,grid.467063.00000 0004 0397 4222Human Genetics Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar ,grid.416973.e0000 0004 0582 4340Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Education City, Qatar
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11
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Adorni MP, Biolo M, Zimetti F, Palumbo M, Ronda N, Scarinzi P, Simioni P, Lupo MG, Ferri N, Previato L, Bernini F, Zambon A. HDL Cholesterol Efflux and Serum Cholesterol Loading Capacity Alterations Associate to Macrophage Cholesterol Accumulation in FH Patients with Achilles Tendon Xanthoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158255. [PMID: 35897824 PMCID: PMC9332368 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Achilles tendon xanthoma (ATX) formation involves macrophage cholesterol accumulation within the tendon, similar to that occurring in atheroma. Macrophage cholesterol homeostasis depends on serum lipoprotein functions, namely the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) capacity to promote cell cholesterol efflux (cholesterol efflux capacity, CEC) and the serum cholesterol loading capacity (CLC). We explored the HDL-CEC and serum CLC, comparing 16 FH patients with ATX to 29 FH patients without ATX. HDL-CEC through the main efflux mechanisms mediated by the transporters ATP binding cassette G1 (ABCG1) and A1 (ABCA1) and the aqueous diffusion (AD) process was determined by a cell-based radioisotopic technique and serum CLC fluorimetrically. Between the two groups, no significant differences were found in terms of plasma lipid profile. A trend toward reduction of cholesterol efflux via AD and a significant increase in ABCA1-mediated HDL-CEC (+18.6%) was observed in ATX compared to no ATX patients. In ATX-presenting patients, ABCG1-mediated HDL-CEC was lower (−11%) and serum CLC was higher (+14%) compared to patients without ATX. Considering all the patients together, ABCG1 HDL-CEC and serum CLC correlated with ATX thickness inversely (p = 0.013) and directly (p < 0.0001), respectively. In conclusion, lipoprotein dysfunctions seem to be involved in ATX physiopathology and progression in FH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Adorni
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy;
| | - Marta Biolo
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.B.); (P.S.); (P.S.); (M.G.L.); (N.F.); (L.P.)
| | - Francesca Zimetti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (F.Z.); (M.P.); (N.R.)
| | - Marcella Palumbo
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (F.Z.); (M.P.); (N.R.)
| | - Nicoletta Ronda
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (F.Z.); (M.P.); (N.R.)
| | - Paolo Scarinzi
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.B.); (P.S.); (P.S.); (M.G.L.); (N.F.); (L.P.)
| | - Paolo Simioni
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.B.); (P.S.); (P.S.); (M.G.L.); (N.F.); (L.P.)
| | - Maria Giovanna Lupo
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.B.); (P.S.); (P.S.); (M.G.L.); (N.F.); (L.P.)
| | - Nicola Ferri
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.B.); (P.S.); (P.S.); (M.G.L.); (N.F.); (L.P.)
| | - Lorenzo Previato
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.B.); (P.S.); (P.S.); (M.G.L.); (N.F.); (L.P.)
| | - Franco Bernini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy; (F.Z.); (M.P.); (N.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0521-905039
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Kovács B, Cseprekál O, Diószegi Á, Lengyel S, Maroda L, Paragh G, Harangi M, Páll D. The Importance of Arterial Stiffness Assessment in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11102872. [PMID: 35628997 PMCID: PMC9144855 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11102872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are still the leading cause of mortality due to increased atherosclerosis worldwide. In the background of accelerated atherosclerosis, the most important risk factors include hypertension, age, male gender, hereditary predisposition, diabetes, obesity, smoking and lipid metabolism disorder. Arterial stiffness is a firmly established, independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia are at very high cardiovascular risk. Non-invasive measurement of arterial stiffness is suitable for screening vascular dysfunction at subclinical stage in this severe inherited disorder. Some former studies found stiffer arteries in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia compared to healthy controls, while statin treatment has a beneficial effect on it. If conventional drug therapy fails in patients with severe familial hypercholesterolemia, PCSK9 inhibitor therapy should be administered; if these agents are not available, performing selective LDL apheresis could be considered. The impact of recent therapeutic approaches on vascular stiffness is not widely studied yet, even though the degree of accelerated athero and arteriosclerosis correlates with cardiovascular risk. The authors provide an overview of the diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia and the findings of studies on arterial dysfunction in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, in addition to presenting the latest therapeutic options and their effects on arterial elasticity parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beáta Kovács
- Division of Metabolism, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.K.); (Á.D.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Orsolya Cseprekál
- Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Ágnes Diószegi
- Division of Metabolism, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.K.); (Á.D.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Szabolcs Lengyel
- Division of Metabolism, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.K.); (Á.D.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - László Maroda
- Department of Medical Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
| | - György Paragh
- Division of Metabolism, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.K.); (Á.D.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Mariann Harangi
- Division of Metabolism, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.K.); (Á.D.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (D.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-52-255-525
| | - Dénes Páll
- Division of Metabolism, Institute of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary; (B.K.); (Á.D.); (S.L.); (G.P.); (D.P.)
- Department of Medical Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary;
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A Selective Screening Strategy Performed in Pre-School Children and Siblings to Detect Familial Hypercholesterolemia. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9050590. [PMID: 35626767 PMCID: PMC9140124 DOI: 10.3390/children9050590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a most common genetic disorder, is underdiagnosed and untreated, especially in children. Individuals with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia mostly present without clinical symptoms and are not informed about their high risk for myocardial infarction. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events in patients with FH. The aim was to evaluate the detection rate of pre-school children with FH at school doctor visits in Vienna and, moreover, to examine the frequency of FH identified in the children’s siblings by this type of screening. (2) Methods: The selective FH- screening was implemented at the school enrolment examinations in the public primary schools of Vienna. The study period included the school years starting in 2017 to 2020. FH was suspected if a questionnaire on hypercholesterolemia, or cardiovascular events in the family history or on the presence of xanthomas or xanthelasma, was positive. Subsequently, lipid testing was performed on pre-school children and their siblings and elevated lipid screening was defined as either positive by LDL-C ≥ 160 mg/dL and/or non-HDL-C ≥ 190 mg/dL or as borderline by LDL-C ≥ 130 mg/dL and/or non-HDL-C ≥ 160 mg/dL. (3) Results: 66,108 pre-school children participated in the school enrolment examination in 868 public elementary schools in Vienna. In 512 (4%) children, the questionnaire caused suspicion of FH. 344 families agreed their participation in the study. Out of 344 (52% male) tested pre-school children, 20 individuals (40% male) had elevated blood lipid levels with a mean LDL-C of 155 ± 29 mg/dL and a non-HDL-C of 180 ± 24 mg/dL. Out of 291 (44% male) tested siblings, 17 individuals (41% male) showed elevated lipids with a mean LDL-C of 144 ± 19 mg/dL, and a non-HDL-C of 174 ± 19 mg/dL. (4) Conclusions: Screening is the key for early diagnosis and treatment of FH. We have implemented a pre-school screening strategy in cooperation with school physicians. We could identify 20 pre-school children and 17 siblings with an elevated lipid screening test. Full implementation of FH-screening in the pre-school examination visits in Vienna would help to detect high-risk children.
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