Genetic Testing for Children with Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a highly prevalent genetic disorder that occurs in approximately one in 300 people in the general population. In cases of heterozygous FH, which are encountered frequently, cardiovascular disease, the main complication, typically manifests after adulthood. However, if the diagnosis and treatment begin in childhood, the onset of such complications can be prevented. Therefore, it can be said that the diagnosis and treatment of this disease from childhood is extremely important; even more so in the case of homozygous FH. However, specific indicators for diagnosing FH physical findings such as Achilles tendon thickening and tendon xanthomas rarely manifest in childhood. It is also difficult to obtain detailed medical histories from relatives. Therefore, it is not always easy to make a clinical diagnosis. In this context, since 2022, genetic testing for FH has been covered by national health insurance in Japan, and it can be considered for children as needed. This paper presents the previous research concerning genetic testing for children, its importance and application, as well as the latest findings on universal screening that includes genetic testing. It is expected that the development of pediatric FH management in our country, which has not been particularly proactive until now, will contribute to the suppression of cardiovascular complications in this condition.