Feasibility and parental attitudes to universal cholesterol screening in paediatric in-patients

Aims Dyslipidaemia is a treatable risk factor for atherosclerosis, and the 2011 National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) guidelines recommend universal lipid screening at 9-11 years. This study aimed to assess the number of children with cardiovascular disease risk factors and parental attitudes regarding cholesterol screening and management. Methods Parents of children aged 3-14 years admitted to the paediatric wards at University Hospital Limerick received questionnaires over a 4-week period. Data collected included demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, and parental attitudes to lipid screening and management. Results A total of 53 parents completed the questionnaire survey and of those 40% (n=21) of patients met criteria for targeted screening, while 53% (n=30) met criteria for screening as per NHLBI guidelines. Restriction to those aged 9 and over resulted in 100% (n=26) being screened based on NHLBI guidelines with 38% (n=10) being screened using targeted screening. Ninety eight percent of respondents (n=52) had no objection to lipid analysis being performed. Conclusion A significant proportion of children would not be included with targeted screening that would be included on screening as defined by the NHLBI guidelines. Almost all the of study group had no issue with lipid testing being carried out and so may be an avenue for future intervention to help prevent development of cardiovascular disease.