Going the Distance in Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Program Overview 

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder marked by high levels of circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), leading to increased risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Once diagnosed, the preferred treatment options can vary based on FH genotype, as well as on baseline and target LDL-C levels. Therefore, best practices for the use of these therapies, including placement within treatment algorithms, comprise an important aspect of management. This multimedia activity walks the learner through a progressive case of homozygous FH, from diagnosis through treatment, and includes important clinical trial information regarding treatment options available in FH for pediatric and adult patients. 

Target Audience 

The educational design of this activity addresses the needs of lipidologists, cardiologists, pediatricians, primary care physicians (PCPs), and other clinicians involved in the identification and/or management of adult or pediatric patients with FH. 

Educational Objectives  

After completing this activity, the participant should be better able to: 

• Describe the clinical profiles and recent trial evidence for current biologic therapies in FH, including homozygous disease 
• Construct lipid-lowering regimens for pediatric and adult patients with homozygous or heterozygous FH, to reflect disease subtype, potential risks, hypercholesterolemia severity, and treatment history 
• Communicate with managed care to improve access to lipid-lowering medications for patients with FH 

Faculty 

Ann Liebeskind, MD, FAAP, FNLA 
Lipidologist and Founder 
Mobile Health Team  
Neenah, Wisconsin 

Physician Accreditation Statement 

In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by The National Lipid Association (NLA) and Integritas. The NLA is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 

Criteria for Success 

A statement of credit will be available upon completion of an online evaluation/claimed credit form at the end of this activity. The deadline to claim credit is February 28, 2024.  

For assistance regarding credit, please contact cme@lipid.org. 

Physician Credit Designation 

NLA designates this online activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

Instructions to Receive Credit

In order to receive credit, participants must do the following: 

1. Read the educational objectives, accreditation information, and faculty disclosures at the beginning of this activity 
2. Complete the Preactivity Questions 
3. Review the activity content 
4. Achieve a grade of 70% on the Postactivity Test Questions and complete the Evaluation 

Fee Information & Refund/Cancellation Policy 

There is no fee for this educational activity. 

Disclosures of Conflicts of Interest 

It is the policy of NLA to ensure independence, balance, objectivity, scientific rigor, and integrity in all of its continuing education activities. The faculty must disclose to the participants any significant relationships with commercial interests whose products or devices may be mentioned in the activity or with the commercial supporter of this continuing education activity. Identified conflicts of interest are resolved by NLA prior to accreditation of the activity. NLA planners and reviewers have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. 

The faculty have the following relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies: 

Ann Liebeskind, MD, FAAP, FNLA: Nothing to disclose 

The NLA and Integritas Communications planners and managers have nothing to disclose. 

Disclosure of Unlabeled Use and Investigational Product 

This educational activity may include discussion of uses of agents that are investigational and/or unapproved by the FDA. Please refer to the official prescribing information for each product for discussion of approved indications, contraindications, and warnings. 

Disclaimer 

This course is designed solely to provide the healthcare professional with information to assist in his/her practice and professional development and is not to be considered a diagnostic tool to replace professional advice or treatment. The course serves as a general guide to the healthcare professional and, therefore, cannot be considered as giving legal, nursing, medical, or other professional advice in specific cases. The NLA specifically disclaims responsibility for any adverse consequences resulting directly or indirectly from information in the course, for undetected error, or through reader’s misunderstanding of content. 

Permissions 

The NLA acknowledges that permissions have been obtained for use of all copyrighted materials, including graphs, tables, pictures, and charts printed in this activity syllabus. Permissions have also been obtained from identifiable patients in photographs and other images, consistent with the DHHS HIPAA regulations for individual privacy.