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Rallidis LS, Rizos CV, Papathanasiou KA, Liamis G, Skoumas I, Garoufi A, Kolovou G, Tziomalos K, Skalidis E, Kotsis V, Sfikas G, Doumas M, Anagnostis P, Lambadiari V, Giannakopoulou V, Kiouri E, Anastasiou G, Petkou E, Koutagiar I, Attilakos A, Kolovou V, Zacharis E, Antza C, Koumaras C, Boutari C, Liberopoulos E. Physical signs and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in familial hypercholesterolemia: the HELLAS-FH Registry. J Cardiovasc Med (Hagerstown) 2024; 25:370-378. [PMID: 38526957 DOI: 10.2459/jcm.0000000000001612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Three physical signs, namely tendon xanthomas, corneal arcus and xanthelasma, have been associated with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH). The prevalence and clinical significance of these signs are not well established among contemporary heFH individuals. This study explored the frequency as well as the association of these physical signs with prevalent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in heFH individuals. METHODS Data from the Hellenic Familial Hypercholesterolemia Registry were applied for this analysis. The diagnosis of heFH was based on the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network Score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of heFH-related physical signs with prevalent ASCVD. RESULTS Adult patients ( n = 2156, mean age 50 ± 15 years, 47.7% women) were included in this analysis. Among them, 14.5% had at least one heFH-related physical sign present. The prevalence of corneal arcus before the age of 45 years was 6.6%, tendon xanthomas 5.3%, and xanthelasmas 5.8%. Among physical signs, only the presence of corneal arcus before the age of 45 years was independently associated with the presence of premature coronary artery disease (CAD). No association of any physical sign with total CAD, stroke or peripheral artery disease was found. Patients with physical signs were more likely to receive higher intensity statin therapy and dual lipid-lowering therapy, but only a minority reached optimal lipid targets. CONCLUSION The prevalence of physical signs is relatively low in contemporary heFH patients. The presence of corneal arcus before the age of 45 years is independently associated with premature CAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukianos S Rallidis
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens
| | - Christos V Rizos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina
| | - Konstantinos A Papathanasiou
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens
| | - George Liamis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina
| | - Ioannis Skoumas
- 1 Cardiology Department of Athens Medical School, University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens
| | - Anastasia Garoufi
- Second Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Children's Hospital 'P. & A. Kyriakou', Athens
| | - Genovefa Kolovou
- Cardiometabolic Center, Lipid Clinic, LA apheresis Unit, Metropolitan Hospital, Athens
| | - Konstantinos Tziomalos
- 1 Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki
| | | | - Vasileios Kotsis
- 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki
| | - George Sfikas
- Department of Internal Medicine, 424 General Military Training Hospital, Thessaloniki
| | - Michalis Doumas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki
| | | | - Vaia Lambadiari
- 2 Propaedeutic Internal Medicine Department and Diabetes Research Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens
| | | | - Estela Kiouri
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens
| | - Georgia Anastasiou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina
| | - Ermioni Petkou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina
| | - Iosif Koutagiar
- 1 Cardiology Department of Athens Medical School, University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens
| | - Achilleas Attilakos
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, C' Pediatrics Clinic, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens
| | - Vana Kolovou
- Cardiometabolic Center, Lipid Clinic, LA apheresis Unit, Metropolitan Hospital, Athens
| | | | - Christina Antza
- 3 Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Thessaloniki
| | - Charalambos Koumaras
- Department of Internal Medicine, 424 General Military Training Hospital, Thessaloniki
| | - Chrysoula Boutari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki
| | - Evangelos Liberopoulos
- 1 Propaedeutic Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Rivera FB, Cha SW, Liston MB, Redula S, Bantayan NRB, Shah N, Mamas MA, Volgman AS. Sex differences in trends and in-hospital outcomes of acute myocardial infarction in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia: insights from a large national database. Expert Rev Cardiovasc Ther 2024; 22:193-200. [PMID: 38459907 DOI: 10.1080/14779072.2024.2329720] [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: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex differences in clinical outcomes following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are well known. However, data on sex differences among patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are limited. We aimed to explore sex differences in outcomes of AMI among patients with FH from a national administrative dataset. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We utilized the National Inpatient Sample to identify admissions with a primary diagnosis of AMI and a secondary diagnosis of FH. Our primary outcome of interest was in-hospital mortality; secondary outcomes were performance of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), respiratory complications, use of inotropes, use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS), bleeding complications, transfusion and facility discharge. We adjusted for demographics (model A), comorbidities (model B), and intervention (model C). RESULTS Between October 2016 and December 2020, 5,714,993 admissions with a primary diagnosis of AMI were identified, of which 3,035 (0.05%) had a secondary diagnosis of FH. In-hospital mortality did not differ between men and women (Model C, adjusted OR = 0.85; 95% CI 0.28-2.60, p = 0.773). There was no sex difference in the secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION Despite generally being older and having more comorbidities, women with FH fair equally with men with FH in terms of mortality during AMI admission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sonny Redula
- Cebu Institute of Medicine, Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Nathan Ross B Bantayan
- University of the Philippines College of Medicine - Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines
| | - Nishant Shah
- Division of Cardiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mamas A Mamas
- Keele Cardiovascular Research Group, Center for Prognosis Research, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
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Barkas F, Rizos CV, Liamis G, Skoumas I, Garoufi A, Rallidis L, Kolovou G, Tziomalos K, Skalidis E, Sfikas G, Kotsis V, Doumas M, Anagnostis P, Lambadiari V, Anastasiou G, Koutagiar I, Attilakos A, Kiouri E, Kolovou V, Polychronopoulos G, Koutsogianni AD, Zacharis E, Koumaras C, Antza C, Boutari C, Liberopoulos E. Obesity and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: An analysis from HELLAS-FH registry. J Clin Lipidol 2024:S1933-2874(24)00005-9. [PMID: 38331687 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and obesity are well-established risk factors of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Despite high prevalence, their joint association with ASCVD remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVE To investigate the association of obesity with prevalent ASCVD in individuals with heterozygous FH (HeFH) enrolled in the Hellenic Familial Hypercholesterolemia Registry (HELLAS-FH). METHODS FH diagnosis was based on Dutch Lipid Clinic Network (DLCN) criteria. Adults with at least possible FH diagnosis (DLCN score ≥3) and available body mass index (BMI) values were included. Homozygous FH individuals were excluded. RESULTS 1655 HeFH adults (mean age 51.0 ± 14.4 years, 48.6% female) were included; 378 (22.8%) and 430 (26.0%) were diagnosed with probable and definite FH, respectively. Furthermore, 371 participants (22.4%) had obesity and 761 (46.0%) were overweight. Prevalence of ASCVD risk factors increased progressively with BMI. Prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) was 23.4% (3.2% for stroke and 2.7% for peripheral artery disease, PAD), and increased progressively across BMI groups. After adjusting for traditional ASCVD risk factors and lipid-lowering medication, individuals with obesity had higher odds of established CAD (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.04-2.27, p = 0.036) as well as premature CAD (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.17-2.60, p = 0.009) compared with those with normal BMI. No association was found with stroke or PAD. CONCLUSIONS Over half of adults with HeFH have overweight or obesity. Obesity was independently associated with increased prevalence of CAD in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Barkas
- Department of Hygiene & Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece (Dr Barkas); Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece (Drs Rizos, Liamis, Anastasiou, Zacharis)
| | - Christos V Rizos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece (Drs Rizos, Liamis, Anastasiou, Zacharis)
| | - George Liamis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece (Drs Rizos, Liamis, Anastasiou, Zacharis)
| | - Ioannis Skoumas
- Cardiology Clinic, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece (Drs Skoumas and Koutagiar)
| | - Anastasia Garoufi
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "P. & A. Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece (Dr Garoufi)
| | - Loukianos Rallidis
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens, Greece (Drs Rallidis and Kiouri)
| | - Genovefa Kolovou
- Cardiometabolic Centre, Lipid Clinic, LA apheresis Unit, Metropolitan Hospital, Athens, Greece (Dr Kolovou)
| | - Konstantinos Tziomalos
- 1st Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece (Drs Tziomalos and Polychronopoulos)
| | - Emmanouil Skalidis
- Cardiology Clinic, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece (Drs Skalidis and Zacharis)
| | - George Sfikas
- Department of Internal Medicine, 424 General Military Training Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece (Drs Sfikas and Koumaras)
| | - Vasilios Kotsis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece (Drs Kotsis and Antza)
| | - Michalis Doumas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece (Drs Doumas and Boutari)
| | - Panagiotis Anagnostis
- Department of Endocrinology, Police Medical Centre, Thessaloniki, Greece (Dr Anagnostis)
| | - Vaia Lambadiari
- 2nd Propaedeutic Internal Medicine Department and Diabetes Research Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens, Greece (Dr Lambadiari)
| | - Georgia Anastasiou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece (Drs Rizos, Liamis, Anastasiou, Zacharis)
| | - Iosif Koutagiar
- Cardiology Clinic, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece (Drs Skoumas and Koutagiar)
| | - Achilleas Attilakos
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, C' Pediatrics Clinic, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens, Greece (Dr Attilakos)
| | - Estela Kiouri
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens, Greece (Drs Rallidis and Kiouri)
| | - Vana Kolovou
- Cardiometabolic Centre, Lipid Clinic, LA apheresis Unit, Metropolitan Hospital, Athens, Greece (Dr Kolovou)
| | - Georgios Polychronopoulos
- 1st Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece (Drs Tziomalos and Polychronopoulos)
| | - Amalia-Despoina Koutsogianni
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece (Drs Rizos, Liamis, Anastasiou, Zacharis)
| | - Evangelos Zacharis
- Cardiology Clinic, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece (Drs Skalidis and Zacharis)
| | - Charalambos Koumaras
- Department of Internal Medicine, 424 General Military Training Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece (Drs Sfikas and Koumaras)
| | - Christina Antza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece (Drs Kotsis and Antza)
| | - Chrysoula Boutari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece (Drs Doumas and Boutari)
| | - Evangelos Liberopoulos
- 1st Propedeutic Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece (Dr Liberopoulos).
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Antza C, Rizos CV, Kotsis V, Liamis G, Skoumas I, Rallidis L, Garoufi A, Kolovou G, Tziomalos K, Skalidis E, Sfikas G, Doumas M, Lambadiari V, Anagnostis P, Stamatelopoulos K, Anastasiou G, Koutagiar I, Kiouri E, Kolovou V, Polychronopoulos G, Zacharis E, Koumaras C, Boutari C, Milionis H, Liberopoulos E. Familial Hypercholesterolemia in the Elderly: An Analysis of Clinical Profile and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Burden from the Hellas-FH Registry. Biomedicines 2024; 12:231. [PMID: 38275402 PMCID: PMC10813545 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) carries a high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). As the population ages, the age-related influence on clinical characteristics and outcomes becomes increasingly pertinent. This cross-sectional analysis from the HELLAS-FH registry aims to explore potential differences in clinical characteristics, treatment, ASCVD, and goal achievement between those younger and older than 65 years with FH. RESULTS A total of 2273 adults with heterozygous FH (51.4% males) were studied. Elderly FH patients (n = 349) had a higher prevalence of ASCVD risk factors, such as hypertension (52.1% vs. 20.9%, p < 0.05) and type 2 diabetes (16.9% vs. 6.0%, p < 0.05), compared to younger patients (n = 1924). They also had a higher prevalence of established ASCVD (38.4% vs. 23.1%, p < 0.001), particularly CAD (33.0% vs. 20.2%, p < 0.001), even after adjusting for major ASCVD risk factors. Elderly patients were more frequently and intensively receiving lipid-lowering treatment than younger ones. Although post-treatment LDL-C levels were lower in elderly than younger patients (125 vs. 146 mg/dL, p < 0.05), both groups had similar attainment of the LDL-C target (3.7% vs. 3.0%). CONCLUSIONS Elderly FH patients have a higher prevalence of ASCVD, particularly CAD. Despite more aggressive treatment, the achievement of LDL-C targets remains very poor. These results emphasize the importance of early FH diagnosis and treatment in reducing ASCVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Antza
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos V Rizos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Vasileios Kotsis
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Liamis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Skoumas
- Cardiology Clinic, Hippokration General Hospital, 54643 Athens, Greece
| | - Loukianos Rallidis
- Department of Cardiology, Attikon University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Garoufi
- Second Department of Pediatrics, General Children's Hospital "P. & A. Kyriakou", Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15452 Athens, Greece
| | - Genovefa Kolovou
- Cardiometabolic Center, Lipid Clinic, LA Apheresis Unit, Metropolitan Hospital, 15562 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tziomalos
- 1st Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Skalidis
- Cardiology Clinic, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Sfikas
- Department of Internal Medicine, 424 General Military Training Hospital, 56429 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michalis Doumas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vaia Lambadiari
- 2nd Propaedeutic Internal Medicine Department, Diabetes Research Unit, Attikon University General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Kimon Stamatelopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Anastasiou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Iosif Koutagiar
- Cardiology Clinic, Hippokration General Hospital, 54643 Athens, Greece
| | - Estela Kiouri
- Department of Cardiology, Attikon University General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Vana Kolovou
- Cardiometabolic Center, Lipid Clinic, LA Apheresis Unit, Metropolitan Hospital, 15562 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Polychronopoulos
- 1st Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelos Zacharis
- Cardiology Clinic, University General Hospital of Heraklion, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Charalambos Koumaras
- Department of Internal Medicine, 424 General Military Training Hospital, 56429 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Boutari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Haralampos Milionis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Evangelos Liberopoulos
- 1st Propaedeutic Department of Medicine, Laiko Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
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Arca M, Celant S, Olimpieri PP, Colatrella A, Tomassini L, D'Erasmo L, Averna M, Zambon A, Catapano AL, Russo P. Real-World Effectiveness of PCSK9 Inhibitors in Reducing LDL-C in Patients With Familial Hypercholesterolemia in Italy: A Retrospective Cohort Study Based on the AIFA Monitoring Registries. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e026550. [PMID: 37850449 PMCID: PMC10727418 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.026550] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Information on the real-world use of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 inhibitors (PCKS9is) in familial hypercholesterolemia are limited. We evaluated the pattern of prescription and the long-term efficacy of alirocumab and evolocumab in Italian patients with familial hypercholesterolemia in clinical practice. Methods and Results The data set for analysis was extracted from the PCKS9i Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) registry and included 2484 patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) and 62 patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) who were prescribed PCKS9is from February 2017 to December 2021. As the follow-up schedules were not prespecified and could vary, persistence and adherence as well as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) changes during 2 years of treatment were analyzed in a final cohort of 1299 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia. At baseline, 53.8% of patients with HeFH and 69.4% of patients with HoFH were receiving maximally tolerated lipid-lowering therapies, while 45.9% of patients with HeFH and 30.7% of patients with HoFH reported statin intolerance; mean LDL-C was 197.7±52.3 mg/dL in HeFH and 252.0±106.2 mg/dL in HoFH. The 6-month persistence and adherence to therapy were >85%, and LDL-C reduction reached 58.6% (to 79.7 mg/dL) in HeFH and 57.6% (to 95.1 mg/dL) in HoFH after 24 months of treatment. The European Atherosclerosis Society/European Society of Cardiology LDL-C goals were achieved in 43.3% of patients with HeFH and 37.5% of patients with HoFH. Conclusions PCKS9i prescribed to patients with familial hypercholesterolemia in clinical practice showed LDL-C-lowering efficacy similar to that observed in controlled trials. However, 2 of 5 HeFH cases and 2 of 6 HoFH cases achieved the recommended LDL-C goals. The full achievement of European Atherosclerosis Society/European Society of Cardiology LDL-C goals should require a lower threshold for PCKS9i initiation and a combination of multiple therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Arca
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | | | | | | | | | - Laura D'Erasmo
- Department of Translational and Precision MedicineSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Maurizio Averna
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE)University of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | | | - Alberico Luigi Catapano
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences Rodolfo PaolettiUniversity of Milan and IRCCS MultimedicaMilanItaly
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Vlachopoulos C, Massia D, Kochiadakis G, Kolovou G, Patsilinakos S, Bridges I, Sibartie M, Dhalwani NN, Liberopoulos E, Ray KK. Evolocumab use in Greece is associated with early and sustainable reductions in low-density cholesterol (LDL-C) and high persistence to therapy: Results from the Greek cohort analysis of the observational HEYMANS study. Hellenic J Cardiol 2023; 74:74-76. [PMID: 37730147 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2023.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- C Vlachopoulos
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - G Kochiadakis
- Cardiology Department, Heraklion University Hospital, Crete, Greece
| | - G Kolovou
- Cardiometabolic Center, Lipid Clinic, LA Apheresis Unit, Metropolitan Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - S Patsilinakos
- Cardiology Department, General Hospital of Nea Ionia "Konstantopoulio", Athens, Greece
| | | | - M Sibartie
- Amgen (Europe) GmbH, Rotkreuz, Switzerland
| | | | - E Liberopoulos
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Medical School, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - K K Ray
- Imperial Centre for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
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7
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Lan NSR, Bajaj A, Watts GF, Cuchel M. Recent advances in the management and implementation of care for familial hypercholesterolaemia. Pharmacol Res 2023; 194:106857. [PMID: 37460004 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106857] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common autosomal semi-dominant and highly penetrant disorder of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor pathway, characterised by lifelong elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, many patients with FH are not diagnosed and do not attain recommended LDL-C goals despite maximally tolerated doses of potent statin and ezetimibe. Over the past decade, several cholesterol-lowering therapies such as those targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) or angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) with monoclonal antibody or ribonucleic acid (RNA) approaches have been developed that promise to close the treatment gap. The availability of new therapies with complementary modes of action of lipid metabolism has enabled many patients with FH to attain guideline-recommended LDL-C goals. Emerging therapies for FH include liver-directed gene transfer of the LDLR, vaccines targeting key proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism, and CRISPR-based gene editing of PCSK9 and ANGPTL3, but further clinical trials are required. In this review, current and emerging treatment strategies for lowering LDL-C, and ASCVD risk-stratification, as well as implementation strategies for the care of patients with FH are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick S R Lan
- Departments of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia; School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - Archna Bajaj
- Division of Translational Medicine & Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gerald F Watts
- Departments of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia; School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Marina Cuchel
- Division of Translational Medicine & Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Sarkies M, Jones LK, Pang J, Sullivan D, Watts GF. How Can Implementation Science Improve the Care of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia? Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023; 25:133-143. [PMID: 36806760 PMCID: PMC10027803 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01090-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Describe the application of implementation science to improve the detection and management of familial hypercholesterolaemia. RECENT FINDINGS Gaps between evidence and practice, such as underutilization of genetic testing, family cascade testing, failure to achieve LDL-cholesterol goals and low levels of knowledge and awareness, have been identified through clinical registry analyses and clinician surveys. Implementation science theories, models and frameworks have been applied to assess barriers and enablers in the literature specific to local contextual factors (e.g. stages of life). The effect of implementation strategies to overcome these factors has been evaluated; for example, automated identification of individuals with FH or training and education to improve statin adherence. Clinical registries were identified as a key infrastructure to monitor, evaluate and sustain improvements in care. The expansion in evidence supporting the care of familial hypercholesterolaemia requires a similar expansion of efforts to translate new knowledge into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell Sarkies
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Laney K Jones
- Department of Genomic Health, Research Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Jing Pang
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - David Sullivan
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gerald F Watts
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Lipid Disorders Clinic, Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia
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9
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Prevalence of Diabetes and Its Association with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: An Analysis from the Hellenic Familial Hypercholesterolemia Registry (HELLAS-FH). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:ph16010044. [PMID: 36678541 PMCID: PMC9863379 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010044] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are both associated with a high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Little is known about the prevalence of T2DM and its association with ASCVD risk in FH patients. This was a cross-sectional analysis from the Hellenic Familial Hypercholesterolemia Registry (HELLAS-FH) including adults with FH (n = 1719, mean age 51.3 ± 14.6 years). Of FH patients, 7.2% had a diagnosis of T2DM. The prevalence of ASCVD, coronary artery disease (CAD), and stroke was higher among subjects with T2DM compared with those without (55.3% vs. 23.3%, 48.8% vs. 20.7%, 8.3% vs. 2.7%, respectively, p < 0.001). When adjusted for age, systolic blood pressure, smoking, body mass index, hypertension, waist circumference, triglyceride levels, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and gender, T2DM was significantly associated with prevalent ASCVD [OR 2.0 (95% CI 1.2−3.3), p = 0.004]. FH patients with T2DM were more likely to have undergone coronary revascularization than those without (14.2% vs. 4.5% for coronary artery bypass graft, and 23.9% vs. 11.5% for percutaneous coronary intervention, p < 0.001). T2DM is associated with an increased risk for prevalent ASCVD in subjects with FH. This may have implications for risk stratification and treatment intensity in these patients.
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10
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Anagnostis P, Rizos CV, Skoumas I, Rallidis L, Tziomalos K, Skalidis E, Kotsis V, Doumas M, Kolovou G, Sfikas G, Garoufi A, Lambadiari V, Dima I, Kiouri E, Agapakis D, Zacharis E, Antza C, Kolovou V, Koumaras C, Bantouvakis G, Liamis G, Liberopoulos EN. Association between lipoprotein(a) concentrations and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia: an analysis from the HELLAS-FH. Endocrine 2022; 76:324-330. [PMID: 35262845 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03013-y] [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: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in the general population. However, such a role in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is less documented. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between Lp(a) concentrations and ASCVD prevalence in adult patients with FH. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study from the Hellenic Familial Hypercholesterolemia Registry (HELLAS-FH). Patients were categorized into 3 tertiles according to Lp(a) levels. RESULTS A total of 541 adult patients (249 males) with possible/probable/definite FH heterozygous FH (HeFH) were included (mean age 48.5 ± 15.0 years at registration, 40.8 ± 15.9 years at diagnosis). Median (interquartile range) Lp(a) concentrations in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Lp(a) tertile were 6.4 (3.0-9.7), 22.4 (16.0-29.1) and 77.0 (55.0-102.0) mg/dL, respectively. There was no difference in lipid profile across Lp(a) tertiles. The overall prevalence of ASCVD was 9.4% in the first, 16.1% in the second and 20.6% in the third tertile (p = 0.012 among tertiles). This was also the case for premature ASCVD, with prevalence rates of 8.5, 13.4 and 19.8%, respectively (p = 0.010 among tertiles). A trend for increasing prevalence of coronary artery disease (8.3, 12.2 and 16.1%, respectively; p = 0.076 among tertiles) was also observed. No difference in the prevalence of stroke and peripheral artery disease was found across tertiles. CONCLUSIONS Elevated Lp(a) concentrations are significantly associated with increased prevalence of ASCVD in patients with possible/probable/definite HeFH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Anagnostis
- Department of Endocrinology, Police Medical Centre of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos V Rizos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis Skoumas
- Cardiology Clinic, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Loukianos Rallidis
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tziomalos
- 1st Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Emmanuel Skalidis
- Cardiology Clinic, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vasileios Kotsis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Michalis Doumas
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Genovefa Kolovou
- Cardiometabolic Center, Lipid Clinic, LA apheresis Unit, Metropolitan Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Sfikas
- Department of Internal Medicine, 424 General Military Training Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anastasia Garoufi
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Β' Pediatrics Clinic, General Children's Hospital "Pan. & Aglaia Kyriakou", Athens, Greece
| | - Vaia Lambadiari
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Dima
- Cardiology Clinic, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Estela Kiouri
- Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Agapakis
- 1st Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Goumenissa, Goumenissa, Greece
| | - Evangelos Zacharis
- Cardiology Clinic, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Christina Antza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vana Kolovou
- Cardiometabolic Center, Lipid Clinic, LA apheresis Unit, Metropolitan Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalambos Koumaras
- Department of Internal Medicine, 424 General Military Training Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George Bantouvakis
- Cardiology Clinic, University General Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Liamis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Evangelos N Liberopoulos
- Department of Endocrinology, Police Medical Centre of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.
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11
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Barrios V, Soronen J, Carter AM, Anastassopoulou A. Lipid management across Europe in the real-world setting: a rapid evidence review. Curr Med Res Opin 2021; 37:2049-2059. [PMID: 34517739 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2021.1973396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a contemporary overview of recent real-world lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) practices and outcomes in patients with hypercholesterolemia/dyslipidemia at high/very high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in Europe. METHODS A structured literature review of recent (July 2015-July 2020) real-world studies reporting lipid management and outcomes was conducted using a rapid evidence synthesis. Outcomes included patient characteristics, LLT treatment practices, adherence and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) goal attainment. RESULTS Fifty-three real-world observational studies in high/very high risk patients were selected after screening 5664 records (n = 50 national [sample size range 38-237,279] and n = 3 multinational studies [sample size range 6648-8456]). Mean age ranged from 33 to 77 years; hypertension, diabetes and obesity were commonly reported comorbidities. Statins were the most common LLT; patients without familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) mostly received high or moderate intensity statins/LLT, while patients with FH mostly received high intensity statins/LLT. The proportion of patients receiving ezetimibe was low overall (ezetimibe + statin use in those with and without familial hypercholesterolemia [FH] range 5%-59% and 1%-22%, respectively). Overall, the use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 inhibitor (PCSK9i) therapy was limited. Adherence to LLT therapies was defined variably and ranged from 46%-92%. LDL-C goal attainment was suboptimal, irrespective of LLT (overall range in goal attainment with oral LLT was 2%-73% [FH: 2%-23%] and with PCSK9i was 20%-65%). CONCLUSIONS LDL-C control is suboptimal and the available LLT armamentarium, most importantly combination therapy, is being underutilized in high/very high risk patients leading to inadequate management of cardiovascular risk.
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12
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Iyen B, Akyea RK, Weng S, Kai J, Qureshi N. Statin treatment and LDL-cholesterol treatment goal attainment among individuals with familial hypercholesterolaemia in primary care. Open Heart 2021; 8:openhrt-2021-001817. [PMID: 34702779 PMCID: PMC8549660 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2021-001817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Guidance recommends statin treatment in familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) to achieve at least a 50% reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). We assessed statin prescribing rates and LDL-C treatment goal attainment among individuals with FH in primary care. Methods Using primary care electronic health records from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink, we identified adults with recorded diagnosis of FH, statin treatment and measures of LDL-C prior to (baseline) and 12 months after initiating statin treatment. The percentage change in LDL-C was determined, and then baseline and treatment characteristics were assessed by LDL-C treatment goal attainment. Results Of 3064 adults (mean age 50.8 years) with recorded diagnosis of FH and repeat LDL-C measures, 50% reduction in LDL-C from baseline was attained in 895 individuals (29.2%) in 12 months. Compared with those who did not attain this goal, these people were predominantly women; they were older at time of FH diagnosis (53.4 years vs 49.7 years) and first statin treatment (53.2 years vs 49.2 years) and had higher pretreatment total cholesterol (8.20 (SD 1.38) mmol/L vs 7.57 (SD 1.39) mmol/L) and pretreatment LDL-C (5.83 (SD 1.36) mmol/L vs 5.25 (SD 1.40) mmol/L). A higher proportion of individuals who attained the treatment goal was prescribed high-potency and medium-potency statins (24.3% and 71.7% vs 20.2% and 69.3%, respectively). Conclusions Less than a third of individuals on statin treatment for FH in the community achieve recommended reductions in LDL-C. Greater awareness and optimisation of treatment for FH using higher-potency statins are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Iyen
- Primary Care Stratified Medicine, Population Health and Lifespan Sciences, University of Nottingham Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ralph K Akyea
- Primary Care Stratified Medicine, Population Health and Lifespan Sciences, University of Nottingham Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
| | - Stephen Weng
- Primary Care Stratified Medicine, Population Health and Lifespan Sciences, University of Nottingham Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
| | - Joe Kai
- Primary Care Stratified Medicine, Population Health and Lifespan Sciences, University of Nottingham Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nadeem Qureshi
- Primary Care Stratified Medicine, Population Health and Lifespan Sciences, University of Nottingham Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nottingham, UK
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13
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Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) Registry Worldwide: A Systematic Review. Curr Probl Cardiol 2021; 47:100999. [PMID: 34571102 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2021.100999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common genetic disease which accelerates the development of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) in young adults if remains untreated. The overall prevalence of FH is currently unknown and is usually underdiagnosed and undertreated worldwide. FH registry in different geographical area is a mission that helps early diagnosis of FH patients in the general population. PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched systematically for studies and reports on the FH registry using related keywords. Finally, 27 studies were included in this review. Most of the studies used the CASCADE screening method based on 1 or more than 1 of the 3 well-established FH criteria namely, the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network, Simon Broome Register, or Make Early Diagnosis to Prevent Early Death criteria. Except for a small number of studies that the genetic and molecular methods were used, in other studies only clinical diagnosis was applied. All these studies claimed that the FH registry causes the identification of many new cases as a result of used CASCADE screening and referral to lipid clinics. They concluded that the FH registry increases general and also physician awareness on FH prevalence and its related complications which in the long-term will improve FH management. This indicates that in other parts of the world, the FH registry should be established as well so that more accurate statistics on the prevalence of this disease can be found worldwide which would help in diagnosis and prevention.
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14
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Kim H, Lee CJ, Kim SH, Kim JY, Choi SH, Kang HJ, Park KS, Cho BR, Kim BJ, Sung KC, Jeong IK, Jeong JO, Bae JW, Park JM, Lee Y, Jeong I, Han H, Lee JH, Lee SH. Phenotypic and Genetic Analyses of Korean Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Results from the KFH Registry 2020. J Atheroscler Thromb 2021; 29:1176-1187. [PMID: 34456200 PMCID: PMC9371750 DOI: 10.5551/jat.63062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is currently a worldwide health issue. Understanding the characteristics of patients is important for proper diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to analyze the phenotypic and genetic features, including threshold cholesterol levels, of Korean patients with FH.
Methods: A total of 296 patients enrolled in the Korean FH registry were included, according to the following criteria: low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) >190 mg/dL with tendon xanthoma or family history compatible with FH, or LDL-C >225 mg/dL. DNA sequences of three FH-associated genes were obtained using whole-exome or target exome sequencing. Threshold cholesterol levels for differentiating patients with FH/pathogenic variant (PV) carriers and predictors of PVs were identified.
Results: Of the 296 patients, 104 had PVs and showed more obvious clinical findings, including higher cholesterol levels. PV rates ranged from 30% to 64% when patients were categorized by possible or definite type according to the Simon Broome criteria. Frequent PV types included missense variants and copy number variations (CNVs), while the most frequent location of PVs was p.P685L inLDLR. The threshold LDL-C levels for patient differentiation and PV prediction were 177 and 225 mg/dL, respectively. Younger age, tendon xanthoma, and higher LDL-C levels were identified as independent predictors of PVs, while traditional cardiovascular risk factors were predictors of coronary artery disease.
Conclusions: Korean patients with FH had variable PV rates depending on diagnostic criteria and distinctive PV locations. The reported threshold LDL-C levels pave the way for efficient patient care in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyoeun Kim
- Department of Health Promotion, Yonsei University Health System
| | - Chan Joo Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine
| | - Sang-Hyun Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine
| | - Jang Young Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine
| | - Sung Hee Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine
| | - Hyun-Jae Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine
| | - Kyong Soo Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine
| | - Byung Ryul Cho
- Cardiology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangwon National University, School of Medicine
| | - Byung Jin Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine
| | - Ki Chul Sung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine
| | - In-Kyung Jeong
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine
| | - Jin-Ok Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiovascular Center, Chungnam National University Hospital, Chungnam National University School of Medicine
| | - Jang-Whan Bae
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine
| | - Jung Mi Park
- Department of Biostatistics and Computing, Yonsei University Graduate School
| | | | | | | | - Ji Hyun Lee
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine
| | - Sang-Hak Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine
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15
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Polychronopoulos G, Tzavelas M, Tziomalos K. Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: prevalence and control rates. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2021; 16:175-179. [PMID: 33993819 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2021.1929175] [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: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH) is associated with a very high risk for cardiovascular events. Treatment with potent statins substantially reduces cardiovascular morbidity in these patients. Moreover, combination therapy with statins plus ezetimibe and/or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors facilitates achievement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets in patients with heFH. However, heFH remains underdiagnosed and undertreated worldwide.Areas covered: In this review, we summarize current evidence on the prevalence and control rates of heFH. Accumulating data suggest that heFH is one of the most common hereditary metabolic disorders, affecting approximately 1 in every 300 individuals. However, only a small minority of patients with heFH achieve LDL-C targets, even in high-income countries and in subjects followed-up in specialized lipid clinics.Expert opinion: Given the underdiagnosis of heFH using cascade and opportunistic screening, wider, population-based screening strategies should be evaluated for their feasibility and cost-effectiveness if we aspire to timely diagnosis and therefore prevention of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in this very high risk population. Overcoming inertia in uptitrating statin dose, adding ezetimibe and/or PCSK9 inhibitors along with more generous reimbursement for lipid-lowering agents in patients with heFH are essential for improving goal attainment rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Polychronopoulos
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Marios Tzavelas
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tziomalos
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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16
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Kolovou G, Kolovou V, Bilianou H, Goumas G, Foussas S, Grapsa E, Garoufi A, Karavolias G, Mavrogieni S, Melidonis A, Milionis H, Rallidis L, Richter D, Skoumas I, Tousoulis D, Vlachopoulos C, Liberopoulos E. Lipoprotein apheresis: a Hellenic consensus on its clinical use. Hellenic J Cardiol 2020; 62:460-462. [PMID: 33388425 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Genovefa Kolovou
- Metropolitan Hospital, Cardiometabolic Center, Lipoprotein Apheresis and Lipid Disorders Clinic, Athens, Greece.
| | - Vana Kolovou
- Metropolitan Hospital, Cardiometabolic Center, Lipoprotein Apheresis and Lipid Disorders Clinic, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Stefanos Foussas
- Cardiology Department, Metropolitan General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Grapsa
- Aretaieio University Hospital National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Garoufi
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "P. & A. Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Sophie Mavrogieni
- Cardiology Department, Onassis Cardiac Surgery Center, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Haralampos Milionis
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Greece
| | - Loukianos Rallidis
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, University General Hospital Attikon, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Skoumas
- Cardiology Department, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Cardiology Department, Athens University Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalambos Vlachopoulos
- 1st Cardiology Department, Athens University Medical School, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Liberopoulos
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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17
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Mehta R, Martagon AJ, Galan Ramirez GA, Antonio-Villa NE, Vargas-Vázquez A, Elias-Lopez D, Gonzalez-Retana G, Rodríguez-Encinas B, Ceballos-Macías JJ, Romero-Zazueta A, Martinez-Alvarado R, Morales-Portano JD, Alvarez-Lopez H, Sauque-Reyna L, Gomez-Herrera LG, Simental-Mendia LE, Garcia-Aguilar H, Ramirez-Cooremans E, Peña-Aparicio B, Mendoza-Zubieta V, Carrillo-Gonzalez PA, Ferreira-Hermosillo A, Caracas-Portilla N, Jimenez-Dominguez G, Ruiz-Garcia AY, Arriaga-Cazares HE, Gonzalez-Gonzalez JR, Mendez-Valencia CV, Padilla FG, Madriz-Prado R, De Los Rios-Ibarra MO, Vazquez-Cardenas A, Arjona-Villicaña RD, Acevedo-Rivera KJ, Allende-Carrera R, Alvarez JA, Amezcua-Martinez JC, de Los Reyes Barrera-Bustillo M, Carazo-Vargas G, Contreras-Chacon R, Figueroa-Andrade MH, Flores-Ortega A, Garcia-Alcala H, Garcia de Leon LE, Garcia-Guzman B, Garduño-Garcia JJ, Garnica-Cuellar JC, Gomez-Cruz JR, Hernandez-Garcia A, Holguin-Almada JR, Juarez-Herrera U, Lugo-Sobrevilla F, Marquez-Rodriguez E, Martinez-Sibaja C, Medrano-Rodriguez AB, Morales-Oyervides JC, Perez-Vazquez DI, Reyes-Rodriguez EA, Robles-Osorio ML, Rosas-Saucedo J, Torres-Tamayo M, Valdez-Talavera LA, Vera-Arroyo LE, Zepeda-Carrillo EA, Aguilar-Salinas CA. Familial hypercholesterolemia in Mexico: Initial insights from the national registry. J Clin Lipidol 2020; 15:124-133. [PMID: 33422452 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. OBJECTIVE Report the results of the first years (2017-2019) of the Mexican FH registry. METHODS There are 60 investigators, representing 28 federal states, participating in the registry. The variables included are in accordance with the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) FH recommendations. RESULTS To date, 709 patients have been registered, only 336 patients with complete data fields are presented. The mean age is 50 (36-62) years and the average time since diagnosis is 4 (IQR: 2-16) years. Genetic testing is recorded in 26.9%. Tendon xanthomas are present in 43.2%. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is 11.3% and that of premature CAD is 9.8%. Index cases, male gender, hypertension and smoking were associated with premature CAD. The median lipoprotein (a) level is 30.5 (IQR 10.8-80.7) mg/dl. Statins and co-administration with ezetimibe were recorded in 88.1% and 35.7% respectively. A combined treatment target (50% reduction in LDL-C and an LDL-C <100 mg/dl) was achieved by 13.7%. Associated factors were index case (OR 3.6, 95%CI 1.69-8.73, P = .002), combination therapy (OR 2.4, 95%CI 1.23-4.90, P = .011), type 2 diabetes (OR 2.8, 95%CI 1.03-7.59, P = .036) and age (OR 1.023, 95%CI 1.01-1.05, P = .033). CONCLUSION The results confirm late diagnosis, a lower than expected prevalence and risk of ASCVD, a higher than expected prevalence of type 2 diabetes and undertreatment, with relatively few patients reaching goals. Recommendations include, the use of combination lipid lowering therapy, control of comorbid conditions and more frequent genetic testing in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopa Mehta
- Unidad de Investigación de Enfermedades Metabolicas, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubiran, México City, Mexico; Departamento de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alexandro J Martagon
- Unidad de Investigación de Enfermedades Metabolicas, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubiran, México City, Mexico; Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | - Gabriela A Galan Ramirez
- Unidad de Investigación de Enfermedades Metabolicas, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubiran, México City, Mexico
| | - Neftali Eduardo Antonio-Villa
- Unidad de Investigación de Enfermedades Metabolicas, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubiran, México City, Mexico
| | - Arsenio Vargas-Vázquez
- Unidad de Investigación de Enfermedades Metabolicas, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubiran, México City, Mexico
| | - Daniel Elias-Lopez
- Unidad de Investigación de Enfermedades Metabolicas, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubiran, México City, Mexico; Departamento de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gustavo Gonzalez-Retana
- Departamento de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Bethsabel Rodríguez-Encinas
- Departamento de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Guadalupe Jimenez-Dominguez
- Hospital General Zona #46 IMSS, Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico; Hospital Angeles de Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico
| | | | - Hector E Arriaga-Cazares
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; Centro Medico Nacional del Noreste IMSS, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carlos A Aguilar-Salinas
- Unidad de Investigación de Enfermedades Metabolicas, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubiran, México City, Mexico; Departamento de Endocrinologia y Metabolismo, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico; Direccion de Nutricion, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico; Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
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GENetic characteristics and REsponse to lipid-lowering therapy in familial hypercholesterolemia: GENRE-FH study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19336. [PMID: 33168860 PMCID: PMC7653043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75901-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the 146 patients enrolled in the Korean FH registry, 83 patients who had undergone appropriate LLT escalation and were followed-up for ≥ 6 months were analyzed for pathogenic variants (PVs). The achieved percentage of expected low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction (primary variable) and achievement rates of LDL-C < 70 mg/dL were assessed. The correlations between the treatment response and the characteristics of PVs, and the weighted 4 SNP-based score were evaluated. The primary variables were significantly lower in the PV-positive patients than in the PV-negative patients (p = 0.007). However, the type of PV did not significantly correlate with the primary variable. The achievement rates of LDL-C < 70 mg/dL was very low, regardless of the PV characteristics. Patients with a higher 4-SNP score showed a lower primary variable (R2 = 0.045, p = 0.048). Among evolocumab users, PV-negative patients or those with only defective PVs revealed higher primary variable, whereas patients with at least one null PV showed lower primary variables. The adjusted response of patients with FH to LLT showed significant associations with PV positivity and 4-SNP score. These results may be helpful in managing FH patients with diverse genetic backgrounds.
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D'Erasmo L, Commodari D, Di Costanzo A, Minicocci I, Polito L, Ceci F, Montali A, Maranghi M, Arca M. Evolving trend in the management of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia in Italy: A retrospective, single center, observational study. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2020; 30:2027-2035. [PMID: 32830020 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2020.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The effective reduction of LDL-C in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) is crucial to reduce their increased cardiovascular risk. Diagnostic and therapeutic (PCSK9 inhibitors) tools to manage HeFH improved in recent years. However, the impact of these progresses in ameliorating the contemporary real-world care of these patients remains to be determined. Aim of this study was to assess the evolution of treatments and LDL-C control in a cohort of HeFH patients in Italy. METHODS AND RESULTS Four hundred six clinically diagnosed HeFH followed in a single, tertiary lipid centre were included in this survey. Data on lipid levels and medications were collected at baseline and during a median 3-year follow-up. At baseline, 19.8% of patients were receiving conventional high-potency lipid lowering therapies (LLT) and this percentage increased up to 50.8% at last visit. The knowledge of results of molecular diagnosis was associated with a significant increase in treatment intensity and LDL-C lowering. Nevertheless, the new LDL-C target (<70 mg/dl) was achieved only in 3.6% of HeFH patients under conventional LLTs and this proportion remained low (2.9%) also in those exposed to maximal conventional LLT. In 51 patients prescribed with PCSK9 inhibitors, 64.6% and 62.1% reached LDL-C<70 mg/dl at 3- and 12-month follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Although treatments of HeFH improved over time, LDL-C target achievement with conventional LLT remains poor, mainly among women. The use of molecular diagnosis and even more the prescription of PCSK9i may improve LDL-C control in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura D'Erasmo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Università degli studi di Roma, Sapienza, Rome, Italy; Cardiovascular Prevention Unit, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Pitié-Salpêtrière University Hospital, Paris, France.
| | - Daniela Commodari
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Università degli studi di Roma, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Di Costanzo
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Università degli studi di Roma, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Minicocci
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Università degli studi di Roma, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Polito
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Università degli studi di Roma, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi di Roma, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Montali
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Università degli studi di Roma, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Maranghi
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Università degli studi di Roma, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Arca
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Università degli studi di Roma, Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Polychronopoulos G, Tziomalos K. Treatment of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia: what does the future hold? Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2020; 13:1229-1234. [DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2020.1839417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Polychronopoulos
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Tziomalos
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Balla S, Ekpo EP, Wilemon KA, Knowles JW, Rodriguez F. Women Living with Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Challenges and Considerations Surrounding Their Care. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2020; 22:60. [PMID: 32816232 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-020-00881-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To highlight the gender-based differences in presentation and disparities in care for women with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). RECENT FINDINGS Women with FH experience specific barriers to care including underrepresentation in research, significant underappreciation of risk, and interrupted therapy during childbearing. National and international registry and clinical trial data show significant healthcare disparities for women with FH. Women with FH are less likely to be on guideline-recommended high-intensity statin medications and those placed on statins are more likely to discontinue them within their first year. Women with FH are also less likely to be on regimens including non-statin agents such as PCSK9 inhibitors. As a result, women with FH are less likely to achieve target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets, even those with prior atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). FH is common, under-diagnosed, and under-treated. Disparities of care are more pronounced in women than men. Additionally, FH weighs differently on women throughout the course of their lives starting from choosing contraceptives as young girls along with lipid-lowering therapy, timing pregnancy, choosing breastfeeding or resumption of therapy, and finally deciding goals of care during menopause. Early identification and appropriate treatment prior to interruptions of therapy for childbearing can lead to marked reduction in morbidity and mortality. Women access care differently than men and increasing awareness among all providers, especially cardio-obstetricians, may improve diagnostic rates. Understanding the unique challenges women with FH face is crucial to close the gaps in care they experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujana Balla
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine & Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco Fresno, Fresno, CA, USA
| | - Eson P Ekpo
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine & Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Joshua W Knowles
- The FH Foundation, Pasadena, CA, USA. .,Stanford Department of Medicine, Diabetes Research Center, Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Falk CVRC, Room CV273, MC 5406 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
| | - Fatima Rodriguez
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine & Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Rallidis LS, Iordanidis D, Iliodromitis E. The value of physical signs in identifying patients with familial hypercholesterolemia in the era of genetic testing. J Cardiol 2020; 76:568-572. [PMID: 32741655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jjcc.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common, inherited disorder of cholesterol metabolism characterized by very high plasma concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is crucial to diagnose and treat this disorder early since if left untreated it increases the risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) at least by 10-fold. Although genetic testing for FH, when available and affordable, should ideally be offered to most individuals with clinical phenotype suggestive of FH, it is underutilized in most countries. Therefore, FH diagnosis in the majority of cases is made by combining cholesterol levels and clinical characteristics of the patient leaving the need for genetic testing usually in equivocal cases. The presence of some cutaneous and ocular signs can raise the suspicion or even lead to the diagnosis of FH among usually "healthy" individuals. These physical signs comprise cutaneous lesions such as tendon xanthomas or the less specific xanthelasmata and ocular signs, such as corneal arcus in individuals under the age of 45 years. The presence of these signs should prompt the physician to request lipid tests and use clinical scores to diagnose FH. If the diagnosis of FH is likely, aggressive lipid-lowering therapy should be initiated to reduce the risk of CAD and a cascade screening of family members should also be requested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukianos S Rallidis
- Second Department of Cardiology, University General Hospital, "Attikon", Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Dimitrios Iordanidis
- Second Department of Cardiology, University General Hospital, "Attikon", Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathios Iliodromitis
- Second Department of Cardiology, University General Hospital, "Attikon", Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol targets as assessed by different methods in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia: an analysis from the HELLAS-FH registry. Lipids Health Dis 2020; 19:114. [PMID: 32466791 PMCID: PMC7257219 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-020-01289-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. FH patients often have increased lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels, which further increase CVD risk. Novel methods for accurately calculating LDL-C have been proposed. Methods Patients with FH were recruited by a network of Greek sites participating in the HELLAS-FH registry. LDL-C levels were calculated using the Friedewald (LDL-CF) and the Martin/Hopkins (LDL-CM/H) equations as well as after correcting LDL-CM/H for Lp(a) levels [LDL-CLp(a)corM/H]. The objective was to compare LDL-C levels and target achievement as estimated by different methods in FH patients. Results This analysis included 1620 patients (1423 adults and 197 children). In adults at diagnosis, LDL-CF and LDL-CM/H levels were similar [235 ± 70 mg/dL (6.1 ± 1.8 mmol/L) vs 235 ± 69 mg/dL (6.1 ± 1.8 mmol/L), respectively; P = NS], while LDL-CLp(a)corM/H levels were non-significantly lower than LDL-CF [211 ± 61 mg/dL (5.5 ± 1.6 mmol/L); P = 0.432]. In treated adults (n = 966) both LDL-CF [150 ± 71 mg/dL (3.9 ± 1.8 mmol/L)] and LDL-CM/H levels [151 ± 70 mg/dL (6.1 ± 1.8 mmol/L); P = 0.746] were similar, whereas LDL-CLp(a)corM/H levels were significantly lower than LDL-CF [121 ± 62 mg/dL (3.1 ± 1.6 mmol/L); P < 0.001]. Target achievement as per latest guidelines in treated patients using the LDL-CM/H (2.5%) and especially LDL-CLp(a)corM/H methods (10.7%) were significantly different than LDL-CF (2.9%; P < 0.001). In children, all 3 formulas resulted in similar LDL-C levels, both at diagnosis and in treated patients. However, target achievement by LDL-CF was lower compared with LDL-CM/H and LDL-CLp(a)corM/H methods (22.1 vs 24.8 vs 33.3%; P < 0.001 for both comparisons). Conclusion LDL-CLp(a)corM/H results in significantly lower values and higher target achievement rate in both treated adults and children. If validated in clinical trials, LDL-CLp(a)corM/H may become the method of choice to more accurately estimate ‘true’ LDL-C levels in FH patients.
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Page MM, Bell DA, Watts GF. Widening the spectrum of genetic testing in familial hypercholesterolaemia: Will it translate into better patient and population outcomes? Clin Genet 2019; 97:543-555. [PMID: 31833051 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is caused by pathogenic variants in LDLR, APOB or PCSK9. Impaired low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor function leads to decreased LDL catabolism and premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Thousands of LDLR variants are known, but assignation of pathogenicity requires accurate phenotyping, family studies and assessment of LDL receptor function. Precise, genetic diagnosis of FH using targeted next generation sequencing allows for optimal treatment, distinguishing FH from pathogenically distinct disorders requiring different treatment. Polygenic hypercholesterolaemia resulting from an accumulation of LDL cholesterol-raising single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could also be suspected by this approach. Similarly, ASCVD risk could be estimated by broader sequencing of cholesterol and non-cholesterol-related genes. Both of these areas require further research. The clinical management of FH, focusing on the primary or secondary prevention of ASCVD, has been boosted by PCSK9 inhibitor therapy. The efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors in homozygous FH may be partly predicted by the LDLR variants. While expanded genetic testing in FH is clinically useful in providing an accurate diagnosis and enabling cost-effective testing of relatives, further research is needed to establish its value in improving clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Page
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Western Diagnostic Pathology, Perth, Australia
| | - Damon A Bell
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, PathWest Fiona Stanley Hospital and Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia.,Lipid Disorders Clinic, Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Clinipath Pathology, Perth, Australia
| | - Gerald F Watts
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Lipid Disorders Clinic, Department of Cardiology, Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia
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Rallidis LS, Skoumas I, Liberopoulos EN, Vlachopoulos C, Kiouri E, Koutagiar I, Anastasiou G, Kosmas N, Elisaf MS, Tousoulis D, Iliodromitis E. PCSK9 inhibitors in clinical practice: Novel directions and new experiences. Hellenic J Cardiol 2019; 61:241-245. [PMID: 31783124 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2019.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In randomized clinical trials, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) effectively reduce low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) with a favorable tolerability and safety profile. Our purpose is to provide real-world data regarding the indications, efficacy and safety of PCSK9i. METHODS The cohort comprised 141 patients who attended the lipid clinic of 3 hospitals in Greece and started using PCSK9i. Patients were requested to attend the lipid clinic at 3 months and at 1 year. RESULTS Ninety percent of patients had heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (heFH) and 75% had cardiovascular disease (CVD). A PCSK9i [evolocumab 140 mg/2 weeks (n = 82), alirocumab 75 mg/2 weeks (n = 46) and alirocumab 150 mg/2 weeks (n = 13)] was prescribed due to failure to achieve LDL-C targets despite maximum lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) in 75% of patients, while in the remaining cases, the indication was statin intolerance. The mean reduction of LDL-C at 3 months was 56.2% and remained constant at 12 months (55.8% reduction from baseline). LDL-C target was achieved by 68.1% of patients at 3 months. "Totally" intolerant to statins patients (unable to tolerate any statin dose, n = 23) showed the lowest LDL-C reduction (47.7%). Side effects attributed to treatment were reported by 14 patients (10%). The total number of patients who stopped PCSK9i at 1 year was 14 (10%) but only 2 (1.4%) discontinued treatment because of side effects (myalgias). CONCLUSIONS Our real-world results of PCSK9i showed comparable efficacy and tolerability to those reported in clinical trials and highlighted the value of treatment with PCSK9i heFH patients not achieving LDL-C targets despite maximum LLT and high or very high risk statin intolerant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukianos S Rallidis
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - Ioannis Skoumas
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Charalambos Vlachopoulos
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Estela Kiouri
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Iosif Koutagiar
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgia Anastasiou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kosmas
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Moses S Elisaf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Tousoulis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Efstathios Iliodromitis
- 2nd Department of Cardiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece
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