Long-Term Statin Therapy Is Safe for Children with Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Ten-year follow-up data show continued effectiveness without serious adverse events.

In a randomized, controlled study, statins reduced carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) during a 2-year period in children with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH; NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Aug 30 2004). Now, 10-year follow-up data from that study address the long-term safety and effectiveness of statin use in children.

Investigators compared clinical outcomes of 194 study participants with FH, who received pravastatin (20–40 mg/day), and 83 unaffected siblings. At 10 years, study participants were aged 18 to 30 years. CIMT values had not changed in either group but remained significantly higher in those with FH (0.480 mm vs 0.469 mm). Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) serum levels declined significantly in the FH group, …

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Long-Term Statin Therapy Is Safe for Children with Familial Hypercholesterolemia

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Reviewing Author