UNASSIGNED: Primary dyslipidaemia in children is a rare inherited disorder of lipoprotein metabolism with debilitating sequelae and poor outcomes. Lipid-lowering drugs have less often been used in children and long-term outcome studies are scarce. The purpose of this study was to understand the clinical and laboratory profile, response to treatment on follow up and outcome of primary dyslipidaemia in Indian children.
UNASSIGNED: Clinical records, including historical details, examination features and laboratory and radiological evaluation of children diagnosed with primary dyslipidaemia, presenting over the last 9 years were studied. Cascade screening was done for family members of the patients to detect dyslipidaemia in parents and siblings. All children were followed up 3 to 6 monthly for clinical and laboratory evaluation. Diet and drug therapy, initiated as appropriate, were modified as necessary.
UNASSIGNED: Of nine children with primary dyslipidaemia, seen over the last 9 years, homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH) (n = 4/9), familial hypertriglyceridaemia (FHT) (n = 3/9), familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH) (n = 1/9), mutation proven chylomicronaemia syndrome (n = 1/9) were the phenotypes seen. Multiple xanthomas (n = 4/9), recurrent pancreatitis (n = 2/9) and incidentally found biochemical abnormality (n = 3/9) were the chief presenting features. Medical nutrition therapy and lipid-lowering drugs, as appropriate, were instituted in all. Follow-up over 16 months (range 4 to 90 months) revealed no deaths and no new onset of symptoms. Atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid artery were seen in one child, who presented late, despite fair compliance to treatment. Interestingly, lipid levels decreased in all cases and were normalised in two.
UNASSIGNED: Primary dyslipidaemia when detected early and treated aggressively can improve short-term outcomes.

METHODS: A 5-year-old male neutered cat weighing 3.56 kg presented owing to the development of two masses over the dorsal cervical and cranial thoracic areas, as well as weight loss, inappetence and vomiting. Diagnostic tests revealed a grossly lipaemic sample with hypercholesterolaemia (440 mg/dl; reference interval [RI] 90.0-205.0), hypercalcaemia (>16.0 mg/dl [RI 8.0-11.8]) and urine specific gravity 1.022 (RI ⩾1.035). When re-presented 9 months later, fasted blood analyses revealed elevated ionised calcium (1.87 mmol/l [RI 1.11-1.38]), persistently elevated total calcium, normal phosphate and persistent minimally concentrated urine with calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the masses produced blood-tinged purulent fluid with negative culture results. Excisional biopsies of both masses were undertaken, and histopathology was consistent with cutaneous xanthoma. No organisms were identified with special staining, and deep-tissue culture did not grow bacteria or fungi. Postoperatively, repeat fasted biochemical analysis revealed persistent hypercholesterolaemia with normal triglycerides, and normalisation of ionised and total calcium levels. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of cutaneous xanthoma causing hypercalcaemia due to primary dyslipidaemia was made. The cat was reported to be significantly improved in comfort and energy levels postoperatively and a transition to a fat-restricted diet was instituted. Eight months after xanthoma removal no recurrence was reported.
CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report of cutaneous xanthoma and associated granulomatous inflammation causing hypercalcaemia due to dyslipidaemia in a cat. Familial hypercholesterolaemia is an example of a primary condition that could cause dyslipidaemia in cats, and further studies are warranted to better describe the genetic characteristics. Xanthoma formation and the resultant granulomatous inflammation should be considered in cases of hypercalcaemia.

Management of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) may vary across different settings due to factors related to population characteristics, practice, resources and/or policies. We conducted a survey among the worldwide network of EAS FHSC Lead Investigators to provide an overview of FH status in different countries.
Lead Investigators from countries formally involved in the EAS FHSC by mid-May 2018 were invited to provide a brief report on FH status in their countries, including available information, programmes, initiatives, and management.
63 countries provided reports. Data on FH prevalence are lacking in most countries. Where available, data tend to align with recent estimates, suggesting a higher frequency than that traditionally considered. Low rates of FH detection are reported across all regions. National registries and education programmes to improve FH awareness/knowledge are a recognised priority, but funding is often lacking. In most countries, diagnosis primarily relies on the Dutch Lipid Clinics Network criteria. Although available in many countries, genetic testing is not widely implemented (frequent cost issues). There are only a few national official government programmes for FH. Under-treatment is an issue. FH therapy is not universally reimbursed. PCSK9-inhibitors are available in ∼2/3 countries. Lipoprotein-apheresis is offered in ∼60% countries, although access is limited.
FH is a recognised public health concern. Management varies widely across countries, with overall suboptimal identification and under-treatment. Efforts and initiatives to improve FH knowledge and management are underway, including development of national registries, but support, particularly from health authorities, and better funding are greatly needed.