Approach to Hypertriglyceridemia in the Pediatric Population

Hypertriglyceridemia is increasingly identified in children and adolescents, owing to improved screening and higher prevalence of childhood obesity. Hypertriglyceridemia can result from either increased triglyceride (TG) production or reduced TG clearance. The etiologic origin can be primary (genetic) or secondary, but it is often multifactorial. Management is challenging because of the interplay of genetic and secondary causes and lack of evidence-based guidelines. Lifestyle changes and dietary interventions are most important, especially in hypertriglyceridemia associated with obesity. Dietary restriction of fat remains the mainstay of management in primary hypertriglyceridemia. When fasting TG concentration is increased above 500 mg/dL (5.65 mmol/L), fibrates may be used to prevent pancreatitis. Omega-3 fatty acids are often used as an adjunctive therapy. When the fasting TG concentration is less than 500 mg/dL (5.65 mmol/L) and if the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level is above 145 mg/dL (3.76 mmol/L), statin treatment can be considered.