[Dietary management of familial Hypercholesterolemia in Children and adolescents -- a feasibility study (author's transl)].

The efficacy of a fat-modified, low-cholesterol diet was studied in 38 children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolemia on an out-patient basis, and the results compared with those achieved with dietary treatment in hospital. On an out-patient basis, a 10% reduction of plasma cholesterol levels was achieved and maintained. However, no patient showed normalization of plasma cholesterol levels. During hospitalisation, the mean plasma cholesterol levels fell by 24%, beta-cholesterol levels by 27%. This resulted in normal plasma lipids in almost half of the patients. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of intensive dietary management in children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolemia. Long-term results on an out-patient basis could probably be improved by early nutrition education and an improved supply of suitable dietary foods.