Physicians' Academy for Cardiovascular Education
CME accredited course focussed on the role of PCSK9 inhibitors in the management of patients at increased CV risk. Member registration (free) is needed to enroll in this course
Systematic screening in relatives of probands with FH and elevated Lp(a) yielded more new cases than opportunistic testing in relatives of those without elevated Lp(a), but both approaches may be useful.
A paradigm shift in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia has occurred since the role of PCSK9 in the regulation of LDL-c was discovered. A review discussed novel strategies to reduce PCSK9 levels beyond therapy with monoclonal antibodies.
In an open-label extension study, consistent and sustained LDL-c reduction was seen upon changing the dose of alirocumab based on LDL-c level, allowing for an individualized approach.
PCSK9: Outcomes and trials in clinical perspective PCSK9 inhibitors should be mainly considered for the highest risk categories on maximally tolerated statin plus ezetimibe. Prof. Kees Hovingh discusses how to identify these high risk patients.
A retrospective review showed that children with FH and family history of early-onset ASCVD were more likely to have Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL, compared with children with FH and family history of late-onset ASCVD.
AHA 2018 The updated cholesterol guidelines help physicians to personalize treatment based on risk assessment, and now include CAC measurement to guide treatment decisions in certain patients.
The CLEAR Wisdom randomized phase 3 trial (1002-047) showed bempedoic acid to be safe and well-tolerated in high CV risk patients on statins, as compared to placebo.
Prof. Jennifer Robinson illustrates the importance of baseline LDL-c levels in CV risk reduction with PCSK9 inhibitors and explains which patients should get this treatment.
An Expert Consensus Panel recommends that clinical genetic testing becomes standard care for patients with definite or suspicion of FH, as well as for their at-risk relatives, to improve risk stratification, diagnosis and early treatment.
In patients with HoFH, lomitapide led to a significant reduction of LDL-c levels and to achievement of EAS targets in many patients, while CV event rates correlated with LDL-c levels.
Prof. Frederick Raal describes the prevalence and phenotypic variability of FH. Novel therapies have changed FH from a lethal disorder to a manageable dyslipidaemia.