What is the purpose of cholesterol surveillance in childhood?
The purpose of cholesterol surveillance in childhood is to detect and manage familial hypercholesterolemia, which is an inherited disorder that leads to high cholesterol levels. It is also used to identify other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure and dyslipidemia. To address this, screening methods such as cascade screening, pathology testing and national guidelines have been developed to identify and manage familial hypercholesterolemia. Studies have also demonstrated that the prevalence of dyslipidemia and high blood pressure among US children and adolescents has increased over the last 15 years, making it even more important to conduct routine cholesterol surveillance in childhood. Furthermore, evidence suggests that statins may be beneficial in the treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia in children and adolescents, as well as in those with systemic lupus erythematosus.  