Table of Contents

ABSTRACT

The liver is the primary organ involved in lipid metabolism; however, various organs of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract also play an important role in maintaining the homeostasis. Hyperlipidemias can present as hypertriglyceridemia, as hypercholesterolemia, or as a mixed hyperlipidemia. Of major concern is the prevention of premature/accelerated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). ASCVD is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the United States, accounting for approximately 103 deaths per 100,000 people or 1 in 7 deaths yearly. Risk factors of atherosclerosis in the young include elevated low-density lipoprotein levels, cigarette smoking, body mass index, and systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Topics covered in this review include the physiology of lipid metabolism, pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, classification of hyperlipidemias, gastrointestinal causes of hyperlipidemias, and guidelines for evaluation of hyperlipidemias in pediatric patients with gastrointestinal conditions. Finally, principles of management of hyperlipidemia are presented to aid the primary care clinician in managing this important condition in their pediatric patients.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal tract, hyperlipidemia, liver, lipid, management