16 Aug Not Enough Evidence To Recommend For or Against Cholesterol Screening In Children and Teens
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. David Grossman
Dr. David Grossman M.D., M.P.H.
Vice chair of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and
Professor at the University of Washington Schools of Public Health and Medicine
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this recommendation?
Response: The Task Force recognizes the importance of cardiovascular health for young people. Children and adolescents with high cholesterol are more likely to become adults with high cholesterol, and high cholesterol in adulthood can lead to serious health outcomes such as heart attacks and strokes. However, when the Task Force reviewed evidence for cholesterol screening in children and adolescents without any signs or symptoms, we found that there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against screening. In the face of unclear evidence, the Task Force is calling on the research community to prioritize studies on screening and treatment of lipid disorders in children and teens to help us all learn more about the impact that screening at an early age may have on the cardiovascular health of adults.
MedicalResearch.com: What does this recommendation mean for primary care screening?
Response: Until more evidence is available, doctors should use their clinical judgment when deciding whether or not to screen patients 20 and younger for high cholesterol.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: We do know that high cholesterol in individuals younger than 20 can be caused primarily by genetics or by a combination of factors including a high-fat diet. However, there is currently not enough evidence to determine whether treating high cholesterol in children, either with lifestyle interventions or medications, leads to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Moreover, the potential harms of long-term medication and lifestyle modifications used by children and adolescents to lower cholesterol are not yet understood. So, in the meantime, the Task Force suggests that all children and teens eat a healthy diet, maintain a normal weight, and engage in physical activity. Of course, the Task Force encourages all patients concerned about their cardiovascular health to have a conversation with their doctor to determine the most appropriate course of action.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Response: It’s important to remember that this is not a recommendation for or against screening, but a call for more research on this important subject.
MedicalResearch.com: Thank you for your contribution to the MedicalResearch.com community.
Citation:
Lozano P, Henrikson NB, Dunn J, et al. Lipid Screening in Childhood and Adolescence for Detection of Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force.
JAMA. 2016;316(6):645-655. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.6176.
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
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Last Updated on August 16, 2016 by Marie Benz MD FAAD