Lipid

Mission Statement

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. In addition to highly prevalent genetic dyslipidemias, many endocrinology related conditions such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, growth hormone deficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypopituitarism (to name a few) are associated with dyslipidemia. As pediatric endocrinologists, we are at the forefront of managing dyslipidemia in children. It is crucial to establish an initiative among pediatric endocrinologists on dyslipidemia management, advocating healthier lifestyles and the selective use of lipid-lowering medications.

The Lipidology Special Interest Group is a forum for interested members to collaborate and facilitate communication and to network with colleagues interested in Lipidology in pediatrics. We intend to provide support and guidance for the pediatric endocrinology community to:

• Standardize medical management
• Support research initiatives through the PES and in collaborations with other organizations with similar goals
• Provide educational resources for training patients, physicians and fellows
• Advocacy for models of care delivery and appropriate reimbursement

Goals and Objectives

• Standardize medical management
  • To provide recommendations for targeted and universal screening guidelines for children based on current guidelines and new research findings.
  • To provide optimal management approaches for children with dyslipidemia based on current guidelines and newer treatment modalities.
  • To increase awareness and to educate subspecialists in pediatric endocrinology and diabetology and other disciplines regarding familial hypercholesterolemia and other disorders of lipid metabolism in children.
• Research
  • To promote collaboration of PES members with existing clinical research and QI projects.
  • To develop curriculum for lipid research for fellows and junior faculty and facilitate obtaining the funding for lipid-related projects.
• Education
  • To update clinical management guidelines, based on current clinical recommendations and up-to-date therapeutic options.
  • To educate pediatricians and primary care providers regarding the need for standardized targeted and universal screening in children and adolescents, and to encourage an active role for the primary care provider in the management of risk factors and co-morbidities.
  • To educate physicians regarding the interplay of risk factors in dyslipidemia (e.g., Diabetes; obesity; glucocorticoids); and to provide current research data and clinical guidelines that will help guide patient care and treatment options.
• Advocacy
  • To partner with the PES Public Policy Group to advocate for mandatory targeted and universal screening for every child; to advocate for medical coverage for screening, coverage for medical care and cost of medications.
  • To educate patients and the public regarding the need for targeted and universal screening; on avoidance of co-morbidities by advocating a healthy lifestyle and treatment options.