CLS Triglyceride Disorders & Management Flashcards

Which enzyme deficiency, other than LPL, can cause familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS)?

Answer: ApoC-II deficiency

ApoC-II deficiency causes FCS because ApoC-II is an essential cofactor for lipoprotein lipase activation.

What is the primary goal of triglyceride-lowering therapy in a patient with triglycerides of 600 mg/dL?

Answer: Reducing acute pancreatitis risk by lowering triglycerides below 500 mg/dL

The immediate priority for triglycerides ≥500 mg/dL is pancreatitis prevention by reducing levels below the 500 mg/dL threshold.

Which condition is the most common secondary cause of hypertriglyceridemia in clinical practice?

Answer: Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes

Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes is the most common secondary cause of hypertriglyceridemia due to insulin resistance impairing lipoprotein lipase activity.

The triglyceride-to-HDL ratio is used clinically as a surrogate marker for which metabolic condition?

Answer: Insulin resistance and small dense LDL particle predominance

A high TG/HDL ratio correlates with insulin resistance and the presence of small dense LDL particles, which are more atherogenic.

Volanesorsen (an antisense oligonucleotide) was developed to treat familial chylomicronemia syndrome by targeting which gene product?

Answer: ApoC-III

Volanesorsen targets ApoC-III mRNA, reducing ApoC-III levels and thereby enhancing lipoprotein lipase activity and triglyceride clearance.

Which alcohol consumption pattern is most directly associated with worsening hypertriglyceridemia?

Answer: Any alcohol intake, as ethanol stimulates hepatic VLDL synthesis

Ethanol in any form stimulates hepatic VLDL triglyceride synthesis and should be restricted or eliminated in patients with hypertriglyceridemia.