Treatment of dyslipidaemia in childhood.

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: Atherosclerosis, the condition underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD), often begins in childhood. A disturbance in lipoprotein metabolism is one of the major modifiable risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis and ensuing CVD. Therefore, strategies to prevent CVD should be implemented at an early age, especially in populations at high risk. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: We discuss the current treatment options for a number of primary and secondary dyslipidaemias. A literature search was done using PubMed, and references from 1973 to 2009 are cited. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN: The reader will gain a comprehensive review on pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options for primary and secondary dyslipidaemia in childhood. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Dyslipidaemia may require early diagnosis and management, especially when it is familial with elevated cholesterol levels from birth onwards. If target goals for low-density lipoprotein reduction cannot be reached with lifestyle modification, drug therapy can be considered.