Genetic testing for familial hypercholesterolemia: Impact on diagnosis, treatment and cardiovascular risk

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 1262-1270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seohyuk Lee ◽  
Leo E Akioyamen ◽  
Sumayah Aljenedil ◽  
Jean-Baptiste Rivière ◽  
Isabelle Ruel ◽  
...  

Aims Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common genetic disorder in medicine, with a prevalence of 1/250. Affected individuals have elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and an increased lifetime risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The diagnosis of FH is based on algorithms that include LDL-C levels, physical manifestations, family history of high LDL-C and premature ASCVD, and, more recently, genetic testing. We sought to determine the impact of genetic testing on the: 1) diagnosis of ‘definite familial hypercholesterolemia’, 2) initiation and adherence of lipid-lowering therapy and 3) risk of ASCVD. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis, pooling odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for ASCVD from studies comparing risk estimates in individuals harboring FH-causing variants and unaffected individuals. Results After screening 3304 unique publications, 56 studies were included in the analysis. 1) Genetic testing provided confirmation of FH in 28–80%, over clinical criteria alone, depending on the diagnostic algorithm and the method of analysis. In two large population-based studies comprising 76,751 individuals, an FH-causing variant was identified in only 1.7–2.5% of subjects with an LDL-C > 4.9 mmol/L (190 mg/dL). 2) A confirmed molecular diagnosis increased lipid-lowering therapy adherence (five studies, n = 4181 definite FH). 3) Loss-of-function variant of the LDLR were at a markedly increased risk of myocardial infarction (odds ratio 6.77, 95% confidence interval 4.75–9.66), and patients with a milder (hypomorphic) pathogenic LDLR change had a 4.4-fold increase in risk (odds ratio 4.4, 95% confidence interval 2.34–8.26), compared with controls. Conclusion DNA sequencing confirms the diagnosis of FH but has a poor yield in unselected patients whose sole criterion is an elevated LDL-C. Initiation and adherence to treatment is improved. The risk of ASCVD is 4.4- to 6.8-fold increased in patients with an FH-causing variant compared with controls, depending on the severity of the DNA change.

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-32
Author(s):  
A. N. Meshkov ◽  
A. I. Ershova ◽  
S. A. Shalnova ◽  
A. S. Alieva ◽  
S. S. Bazhan ◽  
...  

Aim. To study the prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), the characteristics of the clinical features and treatment of the disease in selected regions of the Russian Federation, this article describes the design and initial characteristics of patients included in the study.Material and methods. The study participants were selected among those included in the study “Epidemiology of cardiovascular risk factors and diseases in the regions of the Russian Federation” (ESSE-RF) in different regions of the Russian Federation. The study included individuals with lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels >4.9 mmol/l or LDL-C levels >1.8 mmol/l, but ≤4.9 mmol/l during statin therapy, according to the data obtained in the ESSE-RF study. These persons are invited for examination and questioning by experts in the field of FH diagnostics. On the basis of the survey data and provided medical documentation, the following information is collected: age, sex, smoking status, presence of hypertension, history of coronary artery disease, stroke, atherosclerosis of cerebral and peripheral arteries, LDL-C level, type, volume and duration of lipid-lowering therapy throughout life, presence and dates of secondary causes of hyperlipidemia, information about the family history of development of early cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerotic diseases, increased levels of LDL-C in relatives of the 1st and 2nd degree of kinship. All patients are examined for the presence of tendon xanthomas (Achilles, metacarpal, elbow, knee tendons) and Corneal arcus. During the visit, blood is taken for subsequent biobanking, measurement of current blood lipid levels, elimination of secondary forms of hypercholesterolemia (for subsequent determination of liver enzymes, thyroid stimulating hormone) and genetic testing. The diagnosis of FH is based on Dutch Lipid Clinical Network Criteria (DLCN). Besides, all participants in the study are tested for compliance with the diagnosis of FH according to Simon Broome criteria. All patients with a definite or probable diagnosis of FH according to DLCN or Simon Broome criteria are subjected to ultrasound examination of carotid, femoral arteries and heart and molecular genetic testing for LDLR, APOB and PCSK9 gene variants.Results. Out of 16 360 participants of the ESSE-RF study in 10 regions, 1787 people (10,9%) met the criteria for inclusion in this study. Among them, men accounted for 35.4%, of which 1150 (7%) patients had a LDL-C level >4.9 mmol/l and 637 (3,9%) had a LDL-C level from 1,81 mmol/l to 4.9 mmol/l during lipid-lowering therapy. When compared to the original cohorts of participants from the 10 regions as compared to 3 previously surveyed regions and selected sub-groups within these cohorts we observed significant differences in several parameters such as age, total cholesterol level, triglycerides, LDL-C, the frequency of cardiovascular diseases, that may indicate regional differences in FH prevalence.Conclusion. The analysis of clinical data of the participants of the ESSE-RF study shows that more than 10% of individuals require an additional examination to verify the FH diagnosis, and regional differences in the FH prevalence are possible.


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Blaum ◽  
F.J Brunner ◽  
F Kroeger ◽  
J Braetz ◽  
B Bay ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction The recently updated ESC guidelines on the management of dyslipidaemias recommend a more intense LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction. For patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) the LDL-C goal has been revised to ≤55 mg/dl with a concomitant class IA upgrade for cost intensive PCSK9 inhibitors. Purpose We aim to quantify the need for PCSK9 inhibitors to achieve the revised LDL-C target compared to former ESC recommendations in ASCVD patients Methods We included all patients with ASCVD (angiographically documented coronary artery disease, history of peripheral artery disease or stroke) from an observational cohort study ongoing since 2015. A simulation treatment algorithm adding sequentially a high intensity statin, ezetimibe and a PCSK9 inhibitor in case of a missed treatment target was applied with consideration of both partial and total statin intolerance. The need for PCSK9 inhibitors was calculated for 3 recommendations: 1. LDL-C treatment target ≤55 mg/dl (ESC 2019 Guidelines), 2. LDL-C treatment target ≤70 mg/dl (ESC 2016 Guidelines) and 3. risk-based use of PCSK9 inhibitors restricted to patients with a residual LDL-C >140 mg/dl or >100 mg/dl with clinical/angiographic risk factors (ESC consensus update 2017). Results We included 1936 patients (mean age 69 years, 74% male). Median LDL-C at inclusion was 86 mg/dl, with 60% of patients taking lipid lowering medication (55% statin only, 4% statin + ezetimibe, 1% ezetimibe only). Table 1 shows the distribution of medications required to meet recommendations 1–3. After simulated stepwise intensification of lipid lowering therapy 99% of patients achieved the revised LDL-C target of ≤55 mg/dl, with a need of 23.5% for a PCSK9 inhibitor. For the former LDL-C target of ≤70 mg/dl the need for PCSK9 inhibitors was 10.5%. Restricting the use of PCSK9 inhibitors to the highest risk patients according to the ESC 2017 consensus statement reduced the need for PCSK9 inhibition to only 1.4% with slightly fewer patients achieving their LDL-C target (78% for ≤55 mg/dl and 91% for ≤70 mg/dl respectively). Conclusion The revised LDL-C treatment goals substantially increase the projected need for PCSK9 inhibitors with an unclear health economic impact. Identification of ASCVD patients with a reasonable benefit/cost-ratio of PCSK9 inhibition remains to be investigated urgently. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: None


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayato Tada ◽  
Atsushi Nohara ◽  
Masakazu Yamagishi ◽  
Masayuki Takamura ◽  
Masa-aki Kawashiri

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant disorder mainly caused by mutations in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor or associated genes, resulting in elevated serum cholesterol levels and an increased risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Early diagnosis and timely treatment can substantially lower the risk of ASCVD. In this sense, cascade screening could be one of the most useful options. However, few data exist regarding the impact of cascade screening for FH on the reduction of risk of ASCVD events. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of cascade screening for FH. Methods: We retrospectively investigated the health records of 1,050 patients with clinically diagnosed FH, including probands and their relatives who were cascade-screened, who were referred to our institute. We used Cox models that were adjusted for established ASCVD risk factors to assess the association between cascade screening and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The median period of follow-up was 12.3 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 9.1-17.5 years), and MACE included death from any causes or hospitalization due to ASCVD events. Results: During the observation period, 246 participants experienced MACE. The mean age of patients identified through cascade screening was 18-years younger than that of the probands (38.7 yr vs. 57.0 yr, P < 2.2 х 10 –16 ), with a lower proportion of ASCVD risk factors. Interestingly, patients identified through cascade screening under milder lipid-lowering therapies were at reduced risk for MACE (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.36; 95%CI = 0.22 to 0.60; P = 6.3 х 10 –5 ) when compared with the probands, even after adjusting for those known risk factors. Conclusions: The identification of patients with FH via cascade screening appeared to result in better prognoses.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Mccaughey ◽  
D Ranganathan ◽  
G Murphy ◽  
M Kerins ◽  
R Murphy

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs provide an opportunity to measure low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and optimise lipid lowering therapy (LLT) accordingly. New ESC guidelines released in August 2019 recommend lower absolute LDL-C target levels and an &gt;50% reduction from baseline in those at the highest risk. Purpose This study investigated the proportion of those patients who finished CR in 2019 that reached both their absolute and relative reduction in LDL-C levels, before and after the introduction of these new guidelines. We also analysed the choice and appropriateness of LLT.  Methods A retrospective chart review of 163 patients who completed CR in 2019. A database was created containing baseline patient characteristics and LDL-C levels both prior and post CR; as well as the patient’s contemporary LLT. Those patients who did not have a previous diagnosis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) were risk stratified as per ESC guidance.  Baseline LDL-C levels were recorded, where possible, and otherwise calculated using pre-CR LDL profile with an adjustment made based on the projected effects of their LLT. Results Mean (SD) patient age was 62 (10) years, 123/163 (75%) were male and 142 (87%) patients had established ASCVD. 90/142 (63%) of very high-risk patients were treated with a high intensity LLT and 5/163 overall (3%) were prescribed ezetimibe. Overall, 96/163 (59%) patients in 2019 met their absolute LDL-C targets; 62% of applicable patients achieved an &gt;50% reduction in LDL-C levels. 104 (64%) of patients were treated in compliance with their contemporary guidelines. Both pre (n = 112) and post (n = 51) September 2019 cohorts were well matched. Fewer patients who were treated under the August 2019 guidelines reached their absolute LDL-C (51% v 63%, p &lt; 0.005) targets; achieved a &gt;50% reduction in LDL-C from baseline (48% vs 61%, p &lt; 0.005), or were compliant with the guidelines for their risk category (43% vs 73%, p &lt; 0.005). Conclusions Both high intensity statin therapy and ezetimibe are under-prescribed. Fewer patients are meeting the lower absolute LDL-C targets set out in the 2019 ESC guidelines. For those at high risk, determining the reduction in LDL-C from baseline reveals that even those meeting their absolute LDL-C targets may still be undertreated. LDL-C Target Achievement N Mean LDL Pre-CR (95% CI) Mean LDL-C Post CR (95% CI) Absolute LDL-C Target Met (%) Mean % LDL-C Reduction from Baseline (95% CI) &gt; 50% Reduction (% of applicable patients) Guidelines Achieved Pre-Sept"20 112 2.7 (2.46-2.93) 1.64 (1.49- 1.79) 70 (63) 61 (56-66) 50 (65) 82 (73) Post Sept 20 51 2.83 (2.41-3.25) 1.83 (1.41-2.25) 26 (51) 48 (37-59) 11 (34) 22 (43) Total 163 2.72 (2.52- 2.91) 1.69 (1.57-1.82) 96 (59) 57 (52- 62) 61 (52) 104 (64 LDL-C targets met, stratified by contemporary guidelines followed. Abstract Figure. Choice of lipid lowering therapy in 2019


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1797-1804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcio H. Miname ◽  
Marcio Sommer Bittencourt ◽  
Sérgio R. Moraes ◽  
Rômulo I.M. Alves ◽  
Pamela R.S. Silva ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Funabashi ◽  
Y Kataoka ◽  
M Harada-Shiba ◽  
M Hori ◽  
T Doi ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction The International Atherosclerosis Society (IAS) has proposed “severe familial hypercholesterolemia (FH)” as a FH phenotype with the highest cardiovascular risk. Coronary artery disease (CAD) represents a major atherosclerotic change in FH patients. Given their higher LDL-C level and atherogenic clinical features, more extensive formation of atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease including not only CAD but stroke/peripheral artery disease (PAD) may more frequently occur in severe FH. Methods 481 clinically-diagnosed heterozygous FH subjects were analyzed. Severe FH was defined as untreated LDL-C>10.3 mmol/l, LDL-C>8.0 mmol/l+ 1 high-risk feature, LDL-C>4.9 mmol/l + 2 high-risk features or presence of clinical ASCVD according to IAS proposed statement. Cardiac (cardiac death and ACS) and non-cardiac (stroke and peripheral artery disease) events were compared in severe and non-severe FH subjects. Results Severe FH was identified in 50.1% of study subjects. They exhibit increased levels of LDL-C and Lipoprotein (a) with a higher frequency of LDLR mutation. Furthermore, a proportion of %LDL-C reduction>50% was greater in severe FH under more lipid-lowering therapy (Table). However, during the observational period (median=6.3 years), severe FH was associated with a 5.9-fold (95% CI, 2.05–25.2; p=0.004) and 5.8-fold (95% CI, 2.02–24.7; p=0.004) greater likelihood of experiencing cardiac-death/ACS and stroke/PAD, respectively (picture). Multivariate analysis demonstrated severe FH as an independent predictor of both cardiac-death/ACS (hazard ratio=3.39, 95% CI=1.12–14.7, p=0.02) and stroke/PAD (hazard ratio=3.38, 95% CI=1.16–14.3, p=0.02) events. Clinical characteristics of severe FH Non-severe FH Severe FH P-value Baseline LDL-C (mmol/l) 5.3±1.5 6.6±2.0 <0.0001 Lp(a) (mg/dl) 15 [8–28] 21 [10–49] <0.0001 LDLR mutation (%) 49.6% 58.9% 0.00398 On-treatment LDL-C (mmol) 133 [106–165] 135 [103–169] 0.9856 %LDL-C reduction>50% 21.3% 49.8% <0.0001 High-intensity statin (%) 13.3% 42.3% <0.0001 PCSK9 inhibitor (%) 6.3% 21.2% <0.0001 Clinical outcome Conclusions Severe FH subjects exhibit substantial atherosclerotic risks for coronary, carotid and peripheral arteries despite lipid lowering therapy. Our finding underscore the screening of systemic arteries and the adoption of further stringent lipid management in severe FH patients.


Critical Care ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
François Dépret ◽  
Clément Hoffmann ◽  
Laura Daoud ◽  
Camille Thieffry ◽  
Laure Monplaisir ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The use of hydroxocobalamin has long been advocated for treating suspected cyanide poisoning after smoke inhalation. Intravenous hydroxocobalamin has however been shown to cause oxalate nephropathy in a single-center study. The impact of hydroxocobalamin on the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) and survival after smoke inhalation in a multicenter setting remains unexplored. Methods We conducted a multicenter retrospective study in 21 intensive care units (ICUs) in France. We included patients admitted to an ICU for smoke inhalation between January 2011 and December 2017. We excluded patients discharged at home alive within 24 h of admission. We assessed the risk of AKI (primary endpoint), severe AKI, major adverse kidney (MAKE) events, and survival (secondary endpoints) after administration of hydroxocobalamin using logistic regression models. Results Among 854 patients screened, 739 patients were included. Three hundred six and 386 (55.2%) patients received hydroxocobalamin. Mortality in ICU was 32.9% (n = 243). Two hundred eighty-eight (39%) patients developed AKI, including 186 (25.2%) who developed severe AKI during the first week. Patients who received hydroxocobalamin were more severe and had higher mortality (38.1% vs 27.2%, p = 0.0022). The adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of AKI after intravenous hydroxocobalamin was 1.597 (1.055, 2.419) and 1.772 (1.137, 2.762) for severe AKI; intravenous hydroxocobalamin was not associated with survival or MAKE with an adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.114 (0.691, 1.797) and 0.784 (0.456, 1.349) respectively. Conclusion Hydroxocobalamin was associated with an increased risk of AKI and severe AKI but was not associated with survival after smoke inhalation. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03558646


2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Tada ◽  
H Okada ◽  
A Nomura ◽  
A Nohara ◽  
M Yamagishi ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Early diagnosis and timely treatment for the patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) can substantially lower the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In this sense, cascade screening could be one of the most useful options. However, few data exist regarding the impact of cascade screening for FH on the reduction of risk of ASCVD events. Objectives We aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of cascade screening for FH. Methods We retrospectively investigated the health records of 1,050 patients with clinically diagnosed FH, including probands and their relatives who were cascade-screened. We used Cox models that were adjusted for established ASCVD risk factors to assess the association between cascade screening and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The median period of follow-up was 12.3 years (interquartile range [IQR] = 9.1–17.5 years), and MACE included death from any causes or hospitalization due to ASCVD events. Results During the observation period, 246 participants experienced MACE. The mean age of patients identified through cascade screening was 18-years younger than that of the probands (38.7 yr vs. 57.0 yr, P&lt;0.001), with a lower proportion of ASCVD risk factors. Interestingly, patients identified through cascade screening under milder lipid-lowering therapies were at reduced risk for MACE (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.22 to 0.60; P&lt;0.001) when compared with the probands, even after adjusting for those known risk factors. Conclusions The identification of patients with FH via cascade screening appeared to result in better prognoses. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Scientific research grants from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of Japan (no. 16K19394, 18K08064, and 19K08575)


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