Lipid disorders are conditions that cause a child to have abnormal levels of fats, including cholesterol and triglycerides, in the blood. High cholesterol increases the chance of having an early heart attack of stroke, even in children. These conditions also can create inflammation in the pancreas. The board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric endocrinologists with Norton Children’s Endocrinology, affiliated with UofL School of Medicine, can diagnose and treat specific lipid disorders.

Lipid Disorder Symptoms

Lipid disorders rarely show noticeable signs or symptoms. Your child’s doctor may refer your child to a pediatric endocrinologist because:

• A blood test showed your child’s lipid levels were high
• There is a family risk of lipid disorders, such as parents or a family member with high cholesterol or a family member had a heart attack at a young age (middle age and younger)
• Your child has a condition that is known to increase lipid levels

Lipid Disorders We Treat

Growth issues can be caused by a number of conditions that a child may have, but sometimes the cause is unknown. Here are some of the common conditions that may affect growth:

• Chylomicronemia syndrome
• Dyslipidemia
• Familial defective apolipoprotein B-100
• Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia (Type 3 hyperlipoproteinemia)
• Familial hypercholesterolemia
• Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL)
• Familial hypertriglyceridemia
• Lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) deficiency
• Lipodystrophy syndromes
• Hypobetalipoproteinemia
• Tangier disease

Lipid Disorder Treatments

We create a unique treatment plan for your child’s current condition and lipid disorder. The treatment plan will include a combination of medications and lifestyle changes, including diet modification and movement. Any underlying and co-occurring conditions will be treated, or referrals will be given for additional specialties.