Homozygous autosomal dominant hypercholesterolaemia in the Netherlands: prevalence, genotype-phenotype relationship, and clinical outcome.

Abstract

AIMS:

Homozygous autosomal dominant hypercholesterolaemia (hoADH), an orphan disease caused by mutations in low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B (APOB), or proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9), is characterized by elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and high risk for premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). The exact prevalence of molecularly defined hoADH is unknown. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and phenotypical characteristics of this disease in an open society, i.e. the Netherlands.

METHODS AND RESULTS:

The database of the nationwide ADH molecular diagnostic center was queried to identify all molecularly defined hoADH patients. Carriers of non-pathogenic mutations were excluded. Medical records were analysed for data regarding lipid levels and CVD events. Of 104,682 individuals screened for molecular defects, 49 were classified as hoADH (0.05%); 20 were true homozygotes, 25 were compound heterozygotes for LDLR mutations, and 4 were homozygous for APOB mutations. No bi-allelic PCSK9 mutation carriers were identified. Consequently, the prevalence of hoADH was estimated to be ∼1 : 300,000. Mean LDL-C levels prior to lipid-lowering treatment were 12.9 ± 5.1 mmol/L (range 4.4-21.5 mmol/L). Surprisingly, only 50% of the patients met the clinical criteria for hoADH (LDL-C >13.0 mmol/L); 29% of patients suffered from a CVD event.

CONCLUSION:

The prevalence of molecularly defined hoADH is much higher and the clinical phenotype is more variable than previously assumed. In light of the fact that novel therapies are, or will be registered for the treatment of hoADH patients, an uniform definition of hoADH either as a phenotypic or molecular entity is warranted in order to identify patients who are considered to be eligible for these novel agents.

• Authors: Barbara Sjouke, D Meeike Kusters, Iris Kindt, Joost Besseling, Joep C Defesche, Eric J G Sijbrands, Jeanine E Roeters van Lennep, Anton F H Stalenhoef, Albert Wiegman, Jacqueline de Graaf, Sigrid W Fouchier, John J P Kastelein, G Kees Hovingh
• Journal: European heart journal (Eur Heart J) Vol. 36 Issue 9 Pg. 560-5 (Mar 01 2015) ISSN: 1522-9645 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24585268 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2014. For permissions please email: [email protected].

Chemical References

• APOB protein, human
• Apolipoprotein B-100
• LDLR protein, human
• Receptors, LDL
• PCSK9 protein, human
• Proprotein Convertase 9
• Proprotein Convertases
• Serine Endopeptidases

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Apolipoprotein B-100 (genetics)
• Cardiovascular Diseases (epidemiology, genetics)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Cohort Studies
• Female
• Heterozygote
• Homozygote
• Humans
• Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II (epidemiology, genetics)
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Mutation (genetics)
• Netherlands (epidemiology)
• Phenotype
• Prevalence
• Prognosis
• Proprotein Convertase 9
• Proprotein Convertases (genetics)
• Receptors, LDL (genetics)
• Serine Endopeptidases (genetics)
• Young Adult