Children’s Specialists Pediatric Endocrinology/Diabetes Division, in affiliation with UCSD, recently opened a Lipid Disorders Clinic on Children’s main campus.

Criteria for referral to the pediatric Lipid Disorders Clinic include: Total Cholesterol > 220 mg/dl, or LDL Cholesterol > 130 mg/dl, or Triglyceride levels > 200 mg/dl. Patients with milder elevations of their lipid levels, who have a strong family history of coronary heart disease prior to age 55, may also be referred.

Patients are seen from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays except for the second Tuesday of each month. For the first appointment, we request the child to come in fasting, meaning nothing to eat or drink, except for water, from 7 PM the night before. Usually a repeat fasting lipid panel will be drawn, and additional tests drawn as needed.

The clinic treats lipid disorders through lifestyle changes and, when indicated, by medications. A nutritionist works closely with patients and their families. Forms filled out in advance saves time and allows us to obtain critical information from other family members about specific health conditions that parents may not be aware of. Click here to obtain the “Family History” form on-line ahead of the visit.

A referred patient’s medical information should be faxed to the attention of Lipid Clinic at 858-966-6227. Parents should bring a copy of the child’s medical information to their first clinic visit including: all prior lipid panels and other relevant lab tests, TSH, glucose levels and prior height and weight measurements.

To schedule an appointment to the Lipid Disorders Clinic, call central scheduling at 858-966-5999. For more information about the Lipid Clinic, please call 858-966-4032.

Children's Specialists Division of Endocrinology/Diabetes

© Children's Specialists of San Diego - Physician-to-Physician News - No.8, Fall 2004