Schmidt N, et al. – In this study, researchers included records of 4722 participants in the DETECT study, in whom complete data on blood lipids and medical history were available. It was concluded that Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) has a higher than expected prevalence in Germany. Clinical diagnostic algorithms may not be concordant.

Methods

• In this DETECT study, 4722 participants were included, in whom complete data on blood lipids and medical history were available.
• They assessed prevalence rates applying the Dutch Lipid Clinics Network (DLCN) and the US–MEDPED criteria.
• They stratified for gender and age.
• They examined group differences using Chi2 and ANOVA tests.

Results

• Applying the DLCN (probable or definite FH) and the US.MEDPED criteria yielded prevalence rates of 1:278 and 1:295, respectively.
• The developed diagnostic scores applied in this analysis distinguish different patients.
• The LDL–C concentration is lower in women below 50 years of age, than in men , leading to the possibility of under–diagnosing FH in this group because women under the age of 50 are less likely to reach a higher DLCN–Score.