A review of guidelines for dyslipidemia in children and adolescents

Abstract

The recent publication of new pediatric lipid screening guidelines represents a change in recommendations regarding lipid screening and management for pediatric patients that will affect all health care professionals who care for children and adolescents. The guidelines differ from the selective screening recommended by the 2007 US Preventive Services Task Force, instead recommending routine lipid screening for children and adolescents at ages 9-11 years and again at 17-21 years. Studies have shown that limiting lipid screening to patients with risk factors fails to identify many patients with genetic or acquired dyslipidemias. Without universal screening, many at-risk children will not be identified.