We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us
LGC Clinical Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Events

09 Apr 2024 - 12 Apr 2024
15 Apr 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
23 Apr 2024 - 26 Apr 2024

Pediatric Cholesterol Screening Needs to Be Universal

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 14 Apr 2014
Print article
Image: Cytology of pericardial fluid showing abundant, rectangular crystals corresponding to cholesterol crystals and inflammatory cells consisting of lymphocytes and macrophages (Photo courtesy of Dr. Mercedes Camprubí).
Image: Cytology of pericardial fluid showing abundant, rectangular crystals corresponding to cholesterol crystals and inflammatory cells consisting of lymphocytes and macrophages (Photo courtesy of Dr. Mercedes Camprubí).
Approximately one out of three children screened for high cholesterol between the ages of 9 and 11 had borderline or high cholesterol, potentially placing them at greater risk for future cardiovascular disease.

While cardiovascular disease in children is rare, the presence of certain risk factors in childhood can increase the chances of developing heart disease as an adult and previous studies have demonstrated that atherosclerosis can begin in childhood.

Scientists at Texas Children's Hospital (Houston, TX, USA) examined the medical records of 12,712 children who had been screened for cholesterol levels as part of the largest studies of outpatient pediatric clinic visits. Of these, 4,709, or 30% had borderline or elevated total cholesterol.

In the study, the investigators found that boys were more likely than girls to have elevated total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides, while girls had lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Obese children were more likely to have elevated total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides, with lower HDL in comparison to non-obese children. Mean total cholesterol, LDL, non-HDL, and HDL were all within the normal range, 162 mg/dL, 92 mg/dL, 113 mg/dL and 52 mg/dL, respectively and mean triglycerides were borderline or abnormal at 103 mg/dL.

A potential study limitation is that it is unknown if testing was ordered in a universal manner or selectively based upon individual risk factors or a family history of premature cardiac disease. Thomas Seery, MD, pediatric cardiologist at Texas Children's Hospital, assistant professor of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine, said, “Children need to have their cholesterol panel checked at some point during this timeframe of 9 to 11 years old. In doing so, it presents the perfect opportunity for clinicians and parents to discuss the importance of healthy lifestyle choices on cardiovascular health. Our findings give a compelling reason to screen all children’s blood cholesterol.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (Elk Grove Village, IL, USA) calls for universal cholesterol screening of children between the ages of 9 and 11 years and, again between 17 and 21 years of age. The study was presented the American College of Cardiology's 63rd Annual Scientific Session held March 29–31, 2014, in Washington DC (USA).

Texas Children's Hospital
American Academy of Pediatrics

Related Links:
Platinum Member
COVID-19 Rapid Test
OSOM COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test
HLX
POCT Fluorescent Immunoassay Analyzer
FIA Go
New
Gold Member
Fully Automated Cell Density/Viability Analyzer
BioProfile FAST CDV

Print article

Channels

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: MOF materials efficiently enrich cfDNA and cfRNA in blood through simple operational process (Photo courtesy of Science China Press)

Blood Circulating Nucleic Acid Enrichment Technique Enables Non-Invasive Liver Cancer Diagnosis

The ability to diagnose diseases early can significantly enhance the effectiveness of clinical treatments and improve survival rates. One promising approach for non-invasive early diagnosis is the use... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: The low-cost portable device rapidly identifies chemotherapy patients at risk of sepsis (Photo courtesy of 52North Health)

POC Finger-Prick Blood Test Determines Risk of Neutropenic Sepsis in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Neutropenia, a decrease in neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), is a frequent side effect of certain cancer treatments. This condition elevates the risk of infections,... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image: The OvaCis Rapid Test discriminates benign from malignant epithelial ovarian cysts (Photo courtesy of INEX)

Intra-Operative POC Device Distinguishes Between Benign and Malignant Ovarian Cysts within 15 Minutes

Ovarian cysts represent a significant health issue for women globally, with up to 10% experiencing this condition at some point in their lives. These cysts form when fluid collects within a thin membrane... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.