Dutch Criteria for Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)

Dutch FH Calculator
Family History (Use Highest Applicable)
Clinical History (Use Highest Applicable)
Physical Examination (Use Highest Applicable)
LDL Cholesterol Level
DNA Mutation
Dutch Criteria Score: 0
Diagnoses familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) based on clinical, genetic and family history.

Why Use

FH is underdiagnosed and carries significant mortality risk from cardiac events. The European Atherosclerosis Society recommends that the Dutch Criteria be used to diagnose FH. Alternative diagnostic criteria include US MEDPED and the Simon Broome Diagnostic Criteria . The risk factors in each criteria set are similar, and clinical judgment as well as local practice factors (similarity of target population to study population) should be considered.

When to Use

Patients with suspected familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), including those with elevated cholesterol and/or family history of premature cardiac events.

Formula

Criteria Points Family history First-degree relative with known premature* coronary and vascular disease, OR First-degree relative with known LDL-C level above the 95th percentile 1 First-degree relative with tendinous xanthomata and/or arcus cornealis, OR Children <18 years with LDL-C level above the 95th percentile 2 Clinical history Patient with premature* coronary artery disease 2 Patient with premature* cerebral or peripheral vascular disease 1 Physical examination Tendinous xanthomata 6 Arcus cornealis prior to age 45 years 4 Cholesterol level, mmol/L (mg/dL) LDL-C ≥8.5 (330) LDL-C 6.5 - 8.4 (250 - 329) LDL-C 5.0 - 6.4 (190 - 249) LDL-C 4.0 - 4.9 (155 - 189) 8 5 3 1 DNA analysis – functional mutation LDLR, apoB and PCSK9 8 *Premature = <55 years in men; <60 years in women. From the National Lipid Association Resource Center .

Pearls / Pitfalls

Assigns points to risk factors and stratifies likelihood of diagnosis into one of four categories: definite, probable, possible, and unlikely. Requires DNA testing for completeness.

Advice

Consider lifestyle changes, drug therapy, family testing, and other measures to manage FH if diagnosed.

More Information

Score interpretation: Stratification Total Score Definite familial hypercholesterolemia >8 Probable familial hypercholesterolemia 6-8 Possible familial hypercholesterolemia 3-5 Unlikely familial hypercholesterolemia <3

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