STATINS, HYPERLIPIDEMIA AND OBESITY. THE STATE OF THE ART

Key words: Statins, Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, Atherosclerosis

The prevalence of lipid abnormalities in children is increasing in relation to the concomitant epidemic of obesity and metabolic syndrome. The 3-hydroxy-3-metylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor and statins have been shown to effectively reduce cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in high risk adults. Their use in pediatric population is still debated. We review the current medical strategy in screening and treating lipid abnormalities in children, especially looking at the knowledge base of the use of statins treatment in children and pediatric literature.