scholarly journals Familial Hypercholesterolaemia: An Updated Overall Management

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Noor Alicezah Mohd Kasim ◽  
Yung An Chua ◽  
Hapizah Mohd Nawawi
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Familial Hypercholesterolaemia ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Risk Category ◽  
Premature Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Statin Intolerance ◽  
Cascade Screening

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), the commonest and serious but potentially treatable form of inherited dyslipidaemias, is characterised by severely elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) level, which subsequently leads to premature coronary artery disease (pCAD). Effectiveness of FH early detection and treatment is supported by the outcome of several international cohort studies. Optimal FH management relies on prescription of statins either alone or together with other lipid-lowering therapies (LLT). Intensive lifestyle intervention is required in parallel with LLT, which should be commenced at diagnosis in adults and childhood. Treatment with high intensity statin should be started as soon as possible. Combination with ezetimibe and/or bile acid sequestrants is indicated if target LDL-C is not achieved. For FH patients in the very-high risk category, if their LDL-C targets are not achieved, despite being on maximally tolerated statin dose and ezetimibe, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type1 inhibitor (PCSK9i) is recommended. In statin intolerance, ezetimibe alone, or in combination with PCSK9i may be considered. Clinical evaluation of response to treatment and safety are recommended to be done about 4-6 weeks following initiation of treatment. Homozygous FH (HoFH) patients should be treated with maximally tolerated intensive LLT and, when available, with lipoprotein apheresis. This review highlights the overall management, and optimal treatment combinations in FH in adults and children, newer LLT including PCSK9i, microsomal transfer protein inhibitor, allele-specific oligonucleotide to ApoB100 and PCSK9 mRNA. Family cascade screening and/or screening of high-risk individuals, is the most cost-effective way of identifying FH cases and initiating early and adequate LLT.

Lipid-lowering treatment in hypercholesterolaemic patients: the CEPHEUS Pan-Asian survey

2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 781-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeong Euy Park ◽  
Chern-En Chiang ◽  
Muhammad Munawar ◽  
Gia Khai Pham ◽  
Apichard Sukonthasarn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽  
Lipid Lowering Drugs

Background: Treatment of hypercholesterolaemia in Asia is rarely evaluated on a large scale, and data on treatment outcome are scarce. The Pan-Asian CEPHEUS study aimed to assess low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment among patients on lipid-lowering therapy. Methods: This survey was conducted in eight Asian countries. Hypercholesterolaemic patients aged ≥18 years who had been on lipid-lowering treatment for ≥3 months (stable medication for ≥6 weeks) were recruited, and lipid concentrations were measured. Demographic and other clinically relevant information were collected, and the cardiovascular risk of each patient was determined. Definitions and criteria set by the updated 2004 National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines were applied. Results: In this survey, 501 physicians enrolled 8064 patients, of whom 7281 were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 61.0 years, 44.4% were female, and 85.1% were on statin monotherapy. LDL-C goal attainment was reported in 49.1% of patients overall, including 51.2% of primary and 48.7% of secondary prevention patients, and 36.6% of patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia. The LDL-C goal was attained in 75.4% of moderate risk, 55.4% of high risk, and only 34.9% of very high-risk patients. Goal attainment was directly related to age and inversely related to cardiovascular risk and baseline LDL-C. Conclusion: A large proportion of Asian hypercholesterolaemic patients on lipid-lowering drugs are not at recommended LDL-C levels and remain at risk for cardiovascular disease. Given the proven efficacy of lipid-lowering drugs in the reduction of LDL-C, there is room for further optimization of treatments to maximize benefits and improve outcomes.

scholarly journals Lipoprotein Particle Predictors of Arterial Stiffness after 17 Years of Follow Up: The Malmö Diet and Cancer Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Jacob Hartz ◽  
Ronald M. Krauss ◽  
Mikael Göttsater ◽  
Olle Melander ◽  
Peter Nilsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Cancer Study ◽  
Lipoprotein Particle ◽  
Ldl Particles ◽  
Diet And Cancer

Background. Central arterial stiffness is a surrogate of cardiovascular risk and predicts cardiovascular mortality. Apolipoprotein B lipoproteins are also established cardiovascular risk factors. It is not known whether specific lipoprotein subclasses measured in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study and previously shown to be associated with coronary heart disease also predict arterial stiffening after a mean period of 17 years. Methods. Lipoprotein particle analysis was performed on 2,505 men and women from Malmö, Sweden, from 1991 to 1994, and arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (c-fPWV) on this same cohort from 2007 to 2012. Associations between c-fPWV and lipoprotein particles were determined with multiple linear regression, controlling for sex, presence of diabetes, waist-to-hip circumference, and smoking status at baseline, as well as heart rate (measured at the carotid artery), mean arterial pressure, antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications, C-reactive protein (CRP), and age at the time of c-fPWV measurement. Results. The results confirm that triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) but not low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) predict c-fPWV. We identify a positive predictive association for very small, small, and medium (high risk), but not large LDL particles. There was a negative association for large HDL particles. The relationships between c-fPWV and high-risk LDL particles were unaffected by adjusting for LDL-c or CRP and were only mildly attenuated by adjusting for the homeostatic model for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Due to the collinearity of very small, small, and medium LDL particles and dyslipidemia (elevated TG and decreased HDL-c), the observed relationship between c-fPWV and high-risk LDL particles became insignificant after controlling for the concentration of HDL-c, large cholesterol-rich HDL particles, and TG. Conclusions. The development of central arterial stiffness previously associated with combined dyslipidemia may be mediated in part by LDL particles, particularly the very small-, small-, and medium-sized LDL particles.

scholarly journals Monoclonal Antibodies in the Management of Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Focus on PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 Inhibitors

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Pirillo ◽  
Alberico L. Catapano ◽  
Giuseppe D. Norata
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibodies ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Familial Hypercholesterolemia ◽  
Plasma Levels ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Genetic Defect ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Premature Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract Purpose of Review Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a monogenic disorder characterized by high plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) since birth and a high risk of premature cardiovascular disease. The genetic defect is carried in only one allele in heterozygous FH (HeFH) or in both in the most severe homozygous FH (HoFH). Current guidelines recommend to reduce substantially LDL-C levels in these high-risk patients, with the need to use association therapy combining agents with different mechanisms of action. As most cases of FH are attributable to mutations in the gene encoding the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), statins, even in combination with ezetimibe, are less effective in reducing LDL-C plasma levels in FH patients, who require a more intensive approach with additional lipid-lowering agents. Additional targets playing key roles in regulating LDL-C levels are represented by PCSK9 and ANGPTL3. Recent Findings Two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting PCSK9, evolocumab and alirocumab, significantly reduce LDL-C levels in HeFH patients. In patients with HoFH, the efficacy of mAbs to PCSK9 is strictly related to the presence of a residual LDLR activity; thus, patients carrying null mutations do not respond to the therapy with these mAbs, whereas some effects can be appreciated in HoFH bearing defective mutations. Conversely, evinacumab, the mAb targeting ANGPTL3, is highly effective in reducing LDL-C levels even in HoFH patients carrying null LDLR mutations, thanks to its LDLR-independent mechanism of action. Summary Monoclonal antibodies inhibiting PCSK9 have shown a robust effect in FH patients presenting a residual LDLR activity, while ANGPTL3 inhibitors appear to be promising even in patients carrying null LDLR mutations.

scholarly journals Familial Hypercholesterolaemia With Premature Coronary Artery Disease: A Case Report

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 150-153
Author(s):  
Chandramukhi Sunehra ◽  
Krishnaswamy Raghu
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Systolic Function ◽  
Color Doppler ◽  
Artery Bypass ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Premature Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Artery Disease

A young, 18-year-old lady presented with history of chest pain on exertion typical of angina. General examination revealed multiple tendon xanthomas. Systemic examination was unremarkable. Electrocardiogram showed segment (ST) depression in inferior and lateral leads. Echocardiogram revealed normal left ventricular systolic function and no left ventricular regional wall motion abnormalities. Diastolic flow turbulence was noted in the left main coronary artery and proximal left anterior descending artery on color Doppler interrogation across the coronary arteries. Lipid profile showed unusually high total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Subsequent evaluation with coronary angiogram revealed triple vessel coronary artery disease. The patient underwent coronary artery bypass surgery and is on antiplatelet and lipid-lowering drug therapy.

scholarly journals Patterns and trends of potentially inappropriate high-density lipoprotein cholesterol testing in Australian adults at high risk of cardiovascular disease from 2008 to 2014: analysis of linked individual patient data from the Australian Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

BMJ Open ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e019041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farshid Hajati ◽  
Evan Atlantis ◽  
Katy J L Bell ◽  
Federico Girosi
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
High Risk ◽  
High Density Lipoprotein ◽  
High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
High Density ◽  
Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

ObjectivesWe examine the extent to which the adult Australian population on lipid-lowering medications receives the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) testing recommended by national guidelines.DataWe analysed records from 7 years (2008–2014) of the 10% publicly available sample of deidentified, individual level, linked Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) electronic databases of Australia.MethodsThe PBS data were used to identify individuals on stable prescriptions of lipid-lowering treatment. The MBS data were used to estimate the annual frequency of HDL-C testing. We developed a methodology to address the issue of ‘episode coning’ in the MBS data, which causes an undercounting of pathology tests. We used a published figure on the proportion of unreported HDL-C tests to correct for the undercounting and estimate the probability that an HDL-C test was performed. We judged appropriateness of testing frequency by comparing the HDL-C testing rate to guidelines’ recommendations of annual testing for people at high risk for cardiovascular disease.ResultsWe estimated that approximately 49% of the population on stable lipid-lowering treatment did not receive any HDL-C test in a given year. We also found that approximately 19% of the same population received two or more HDL-C tests within the year. These levels of underutilisation and overutilisation have been changing at an average rate of 2% and −4% a year, respectively, since 2009. The yearly expenditure associated with test overutilisation was approximately $A4.3 million during the study period, while the cost averted because of test underutilisation was approximately $A11.3 million a year.ConclusionsWe found that approximately half of Australians on stable lipid-lowering treatment may be having fewer HDL-C testing than recommended by national guidelines, while nearly one-fifth are having more tests than recommended.

Low-Density Lipoprotein Subfractionation: What Is the Role of the Lab When Reporting Discrepant Results?

2020 ◽  
Vol 154 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S8-S9
Author(s):  
Nicholas E Larkey ◽  
Leslie J Donato ◽  
Allan S Jaffe ◽  
Jeffrey W Meeusen
Keyword(s):  
Coronary Artery ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Small Dense Ldl ◽  
Increased Risk

Abstract Plasma concentrations of low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are directly associated with risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). Multisociety guidelines define LDL-C>160mg/dL as a risk factor for CAD and LDL-C>190mg/dL as an indication for lipid lowering medication, regardless of other clinical factors. Subfractionation of LDL according to size (LDL-s) enables differentiation between two LDL phenotypes: large-buoyant LDL and small-dense LDL. The small-dense LDL phenotype reportedly conveys increased risk for CAD. Major societies do not recommend LDL subfractions be used for clinical decision making and most payers do not cover LDL subfraction testing. Despite these restrictions, LDL subfraction is routinely requested by clinicians. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy measures LDL-C and LDL-s. Following inquiries regarding interpretation of conflicting LDL-C and LDL-s results, we investigated associations between LDL-C and LDL-s measured by NMR in order to determine how often they provide contradicting or additive information. Verification of NMR LDL-C accuracy was confirmed by ß-quantification in a subset of patient samples (n=250). The average bias was -4.5mg/dL and the correlation coefficient was 0.92. High-risk was defined as LDL-C>160mg/dL or LDL-s<20.5 nm (small-dense LDL); and low-risk was defined as LDL-C<70mg/dL or LDL-s>20.5nm (large-buoyant LDL). In 26,710 clinical NMR analyses, the median LDL-C was 94.0mg/dL (range:5-436mg/dL) with median LDL-s of 20.8 nm (range:19.4–23.0nm). LDL-s moderately correlated with LDL-C (Ï#129;=0.51;p<0.01). Small-dense-LDL was identified in only 18% (407/2,191) of patients with elevated LDL-C (>160mg/dL) and was more common (73.2% of 6,093) in patients with low LDL-C (<70mg/dL;p<0.001). Associations with CAD were investigated among patients without cholesterol-lowering medication treatment referred for angiography (n=356). CAD (defined as stenosis >50% in one or more coronary artery) was diagnosed in 14% (1/7) of subjects with low LDL-C (<70mg/dL) compared to 59% (47/80) of subjects with elevated LDL-C (p=0.01). When stratifying by LDL-s, CAD was diagnosed in 50% (57/115) of subjects with small-dense LDL compared to 43% (104/241) of subjects with large-buoyant LDL (p=0.2). Small-dense LDL was identified in only 33% (26/80) of cases with elevated LDL-C. Limiting to subjects with elevated LDL-C, CAD was diagnosed in 50% (13/26) of subjects with concordant (high-risk) small-dense LDL compared to 61% (33/54) of subjects with discordant (low-risk) large-buoyant LDL (LDL-s>20.5nm) (p=0.3). Our data confirm that LDL-s subfraction measured by NMR is reported discordantly in most cases when LDL-C is unequivocally high or low. Furthermore, CAD diagnosis was significantly associated with LDL-C, but not with LDL-s. Our data also show that in discrepant samples, elevated LDL-C correlates better with disease state compared to LDL-s. Therefore, LDL-s should not be used to justify treatment decisions in patients with elevated LDL-C. Laboratories should consider carefully whether or not to report LDL-s when it is known that misleading and discordant values will be reported in a majority of cases.

Recent advances in the understanding and care of familial hypercholesterolaemia: significance of the biology and therapeutic regulation of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9

2015 ◽  
Vol 129 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael M. Page ◽  
Claudia Stefanutti ◽  
Allan Sniderman ◽  
Gerald F. Watts
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Familial Hypercholesterolaemia ◽  
Lipoprotein Metabolism ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
High Density Lipoproteins ◽  
Proprotein Convertase ◽  
Pcsk9 Inhibitors ◽  
Statin Intolerance ◽  
Cascade Screening ◽  
Recent Advances

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an autosomal co-dominant disorder that markedly raises plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration, causing premature atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD). FH has recently come under intense focus and, although there is general consensus in recent international guidelines regarding diagnosis and treatment, there is debate about the value of genetic studies. Genetic testing can be cost-effective as part of cascade screening in dedicated centres, but the full mutation spectrum responsible for FH has not been established in many populations, and its use in primary care is not at present logistically feasible. Whether using genetic testing or not, cholesterol screening of family members of index patients with an abnormally raised LDL-C must be used to determine the need for early treatment to prevent the development of CAD. The metabolic defects in FH extend beyond LDL, and may affect triacylglycerol-rich and high-density lipoproteins, lipoprotein(a) and oxidative stress. Achievement of the recommended targets for LDL-C with current treatments is difficult, but this may be resolved by new drug therapies. Lipoprotein apheresis remains an effective treatment for severe FH and, although expensive, it costs less than the two recently introduced orphan drugs (lomitapide and mipomersen) for homozygous FH. Recent advances in understanding of the biology of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) have further elucidated the regulation of lipoprotein metabolism and led to new drugs for effectively treating hypercholesterolaemia in FH and related conditions, as well as for treating many patients with statin intolerance. The mechanisms of action of PCSK9 inhibitors on lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis, as well as their impact on cardiovascular outcomes and cost-effectiveness, remain to be established.

Smoking and the risk of anal cancer recurrence: The Addenbrookes Hospital experience.

2014 ◽  
Vol 32 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 439-439
Author(s):  
Anna Bowzyk Al-Naeeb ◽  
Gill Barnett ◽  
Charles Wilson
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Anal Cancer ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Cancer Recurrence ◽  
Squamous Carcinoma ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Risk Category ◽  
High Risk Disease

439 Background: Anal cancer, a tumour induced by the human papilloma virus (HPV) is highly responsive to chemoradiation. Smoking appears to be an important cofactor in its development, possibly through immunomodulatory mechanism and has been reported to have a negative effect on prognosis. Objective is to evaluate the relation between smoking and the outcome in patients receiving radical chemoradiotherapy (50.4 Gy/ 28f with concomitant 5FU/Mitomycin) for squamous carcinoma of the anus. Methods: 109 patients treated with radical intent from January 2009- Feb 2013 were retrospectively analysed. Details of staging, smoking history, HIV status, response to treatment, follow up time and recording of persistent or recurrence were collected. High risk disease (HR) was defined as any T3/T4 disease or TxN2+, standard risk (SR) as T1/2 N0-1. Results: 68 females and 41 males with an age range 38-83 (median 61).Data about smoking status was available in 74 patients: 28 smokers, 8 ex-smokers, and 38 non-smokers. 54/109 (49%) had high risk disease (HR), and the distribution was balanced across the groups. 4 patients were HIV positive. Median follow up time was 23 months. Complete clinical response was achieved in 101/109 (93%), 1 patient died (cause unknown), and 7 had persistent disease. Of these 6 were smokers (2 SR, 3HR, 1 HR and HIV+) 1 was a non-smoker (1 HR). 9 patients developed recurrent disease: 5 smokers (2 SR, 3 HR), 1 ex-smoker (HR), 3 unknown (2HR, 1SR). 11/16 patients who had a local failure were persistent smokers. Using ordinal logistic regression, smoking increases the risk of recurrence with an Odds ratio of 17.4 (p=0.008). Conclusions: This retrospective series suggest that smoking is associated with a higher risk of local recurrence following chemoradiotherapy. One of the hypothesis is that tissue hypoxia may impact on the oxygen dependent effect of chemoradiation. Patients should be encouraged to stop smoking and smoking may need to be considered as a factor defining a higher risk category which may benefit from dose escalation.

scholarly journals Alirocoumab: new perspectives of lipid-lowering therapy

2017 ◽  
Vol 89 (12) ◽  
pp. 114-121
Author(s):  
Zh D Kobalava ◽  
S V Villevalde ◽  
M A Vorobyeva
Keyword(s):  
Statin Therapy ◽  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
Human Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽  
Statin Intolerance ◽  
Good Tolerability ◽  
Long Term Study

Alirocoumab (Praluent) is a fully human monoclonal antibody against proprotein covertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). The data of ODYSSEY Phases II and III clinical trials demonstrate the high efficacy of alirocoumab in lowering the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia, with a considerable advantage over control groups (placebo, ezetimibe or modified statin therapy) in both monotherapy and combination therapy with statins and other lipid-lowering agents. Alirocoumab provides additional lipid-lowering effects against other atherogenic fractions of cholesterol, including non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a). The agent show high safety and good tolerability and it can be considered as the drug of choice for patients who have not reached their target LDL cholesterol levels after statin therapy and have statin intolerance and familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia. There are now the preliminary results of a secondary analysis of data from the ODYSSEY LONG TERM study, suggesting that alirocoumab therapy may be accompanied by a lower risk of cardiovascular events. The final results will be provided after the data of a study of cardiovascular outcomes after therapy with alirocoumab versus placebo (ODYSSEY OUTCOMES) are published.

Bempedoic acid: a promising novel agent for LDL-C lowering

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. 361-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anandita Agarwala ◽  
Anne C Goldberg
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Cholesterol Biosynthesis ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Lipid Lowering Therapy ◽  
Statin Intolerance ◽  
Major Cardiovascular Events ◽  
Phase Ii And Iii

Bempedoic acid (ETC-1002) is a novel, first-in-class, oral, small molecule that inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis in the same pathway as statins, thereby lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by upregulating LDL receptors. Preclinical and completed Phase II and III clinical trials have demonstrated promising results regarding its safety and efficacy across a variety of patient characteristics including statin intolerance and on a background of lipid-lowering therapy. Bempedoic acid is currently being evaluated in a cardiovascular outcomes trial to evaluate its effect on major cardiovascular events in patients with or at high risk for cardiovascular disease and with statin intolerance. In this review, we will discuss the history and development of bempedoic acid, relevant clinical trials, and its potential role as a lipid-lowering medication in the context of other currently available lipid-lowering therapies.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document