Consensus on management of dyslipidemia in pediatrics

This document is intended for pediatricians, family, nutritionists and others. It aimed to convey the guidelines for early diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemia in children and sensitize the pediatrician to the prevention of cardiovascular disease in adults. Atherosclerosis is a gradual process that begins in childhood and dyslipidemia belongs to the group of risk factors that accelerate their evolution. Universal screening for dyslipidemia at 6 years and 17 years is proposed; selective screening after 2 years is recommended if there are risk factors or predisposing disease. Assay of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides is recommended, prior fasting. Treatment of dyslipidemia in children aims to reduce the risk of premature cardiovascular events in the case of hypercholesterolemia, and decreasing the risk of pancreatitis in the case of severe hypertriglyceridemia. The pediatrician should address screening, diagnosis and implementation of lipid-lowering measures. Patients with higher levels should be referred to specialists with expertise in drug therapy.