Management of Familial Hypercholesterolemia with Special Emphasis on Evinacumab.
Julia KrzemińskaEwelina MłynarskaEwa RadziochMagdalena WronkaJacek RyszBeata FranczykPublished in: Biomedicines (2022)
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an underdiagnosed disease that contributes to a significant number of cardiovascular incidents through high serum Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) values. Its treatment primarily requires healthy lifestyle and therapy based on statins, ezetimibe and Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9); however, there are also new treatment options that can be used in patients who do not respond to therapy, among which we highlight evinacumab. Elevated LDL-C values, together with clinical manifestations associated with cholesterol deposition (e.g., tendon xanthomas, xanthelasma and arcus cornealis) and family history are the main elements in the diagnosis of FH. Pathognomonic signs of FH include extensor tendon xanthomas; however, their absence does not exclude the diagnosis. Elevated LDL-C levels lead to premature Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD), which is why early diagnosis and treatment of FH is essential. Evinacumab, a novelty in pharmacological practice, having a complex mechanism of action, causes desirable changes in lipid parameters in patients with homozygous form of familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). This review collects and summarizes the most important aspects of the new drug, especially being a discovery in the treatment of HoFH, giving these patients hope for a longer and more comfortable life.
Keyphrases
- low density lipoprotein
- cardiovascular disease
- end stage renal disease
- ejection fraction
- physical activity
- small molecule
- type diabetes
- metabolic syndrome
- weight loss
- coronary artery disease
- patient safety
- emergency department
- prognostic factors
- peritoneal dialysis
- high throughput
- combination therapy
- replacement therapy
- anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
- fatty acid
- patient reported