Hypothyroidism in Otherwise Healthy Hypercholesterolemic Children
Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of death in the United States. Studies in adults have shown that intervention with combined diet and medication can reduce atherosclerotic plaque formation and, as a result, the incidence of symptomatic coronary artery disease.1-4 With a strong tradition of preventive medicine, the pediatric community has begun exploring the prevention of adult atherosclerosis through intervention in childhood. Although issues such as universal vs selective high-risk screening, ideal age for screening and intervention, and treatment regimens remain unresolved and controversial, many preventive cardiology clinics, as well as individual pediatricians, have been screening and treating children.5,6 As part of an initial evaluation of hypercholesterolemic children and prior to any intervention, it is important to determine whether other disease processes are contributing to the child's dyslipoproteinemia.