Combined dyslipidemia in obese children: Response to a focused lifestyle approach

Background Combined dyslipidemia (elevated triglyceride [TG] ± non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [non-HDL-C] ± total cholesterol [TC] ± low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] ± reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]) is seen in >40% of obese children. Primary recommended treatment is weight loss with limited reports of any other approach. Objective In children with combined dyslipidemia, evaluate the response to a clinical protocol focused on diet composition change and increased activity with no direct weight loss approach. Methods Retrospective review of lipid profile and growth parameter changes in patients 6 to 18 years of age with diagnosis of combined dyslipidemia seen between December 31, 2009, and December 31, 2011, managed with this protocol through 2 follow-up visits. Combined dyslipidemia diagnosed when ≥2 lipid values exceed the upper limit of normal for TC, TG, non-HDL-C, or LDL-C ± HDL-C below the lower limit of normal. Results Fifty-three patients were identified, 55% male, 92% obese, mean age 12.1 ± 3.4 years with mean follow-up 9.2 months. Lipid parameters (mean ± SD, mg/dL) improved significantly ( P