Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia 2017

J Atheroscler Thromb. 2018 Aug 1;25(8):751-770. doi: 10.5551/jat.CR003. Epub 2018 Jun 7.

Abstract

Statement1. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal hereditary disease with the 3 major clinical features of hyper-LDL-cholesterolemia, premature coronary artery disease and tendon and skin xanthomas. As there is a considerably high risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), in addition to early diagnosis and intensive treatment, family screening (cascade screening) is required (Recommendation level A) 2. For a diagnosis of FH, at least 2 of the following criteria should be satisfied:① LDL-C ≥180 mg/dL, ② Tendon/skin xanthomas, ③ History of FH or premature CAD within 2nd degree blood relatives (Recommendation level A) 3. Intensive lipid-lowering therapy is necessary for the treatment of FH. First-line drug should be statins. (Recommendation level A, Evidence level 3) 4. Screening for CAD as well as asymptomatic atherosclerosis should be conducted periodically in FH patients. (Recommendation level A) 5. For homozygous FH, consider LDL apheresis and treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors or MTP inhibitors. (Recommendation level A) 6. For severe forms of heterozygous FH who have resistant to drug therapy, consider PCSK9 inhibitors and LDL apheresis. (Recommendation level A) 7. Refer FH homozygotes as well as heterozygotes who are resistant to drug therapy, who are children or are pregnant or have the desire to bear children to a specialist. (Recommendation level A).

Keywords: Adult; Diagnosis criteria; Drug therapy; Familial hypercholesterolemia; Heterozygote; Homozygote; LDL apheresis; Lifestyle habits; Treatment guidelines.

MeSH terms

  • Anticholesteremic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / diagnosis*
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II / drug therapy*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic / standards*
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Anticholesteremic Agents