Universal Lipid Screening Among 9- to 11-Year-Old Children: Screening Results and Physician Management

Abstract

Universal lipid screening (ULS) is recommended for all 9- to 11-year-old children. We investigated ULS outcomes and long-term pediatrician management of children with dyslipidemia using a retrospective chart review of well-child visits between 2014 and 2016. Descriptive statistics summarized demographics, ULS results, and follow-up visits/testing. Pearson χ2 test examined differences between those with and without an abnormal screen. A total of 1039 children aged 9 to 11 years were seen for a well-child visit; only 33.3% (343/1039) completed screening. Of children screened, 18.1% (62/343) had abnormal screen results and were more likely to have an elevated body mass index ( P < .001), though 30.1% (19/62) had no risk factors. A total of 10.2% (35/343) had dyslipidemia. A total of 77.1% of children with dyslipidemia received nutrition/exercise counseling and 57.1% received dietitian referrals; only 68.6% had a follow-up visit and 31.4% had repeat lipid testing. Pediatricians would benefit from more practical strategies for universal testing such as point-of-care testing and long-term management to ensure ULS is an effective screening tool.