Improving detection of familial hypercholesterolemia through lab comments on cholesterol levels

Can Biochemistry Interpretive Comments on Elevated Cholesterol Levels, Increase Referrals to Lipid Clinics and Detection Rate of Familial Hypercholesterolemia? A Step Wedge Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Odense University Hospital · NCT05614219

This study is testing if adding helpful comments about high cholesterol levels in lab reports can lead to more people being referred for familial hypercholesterolemia diagnosis and treatment in Southern Denmark.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment2000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOdense University Hospital Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Odense, Funen and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05614219 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to enhance the detection of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) by implementing a biochemistry interpretive comment on elevated LDL-C levels in Southern Denmark. It will utilize a step wedge cluster randomized controlled trial design to evaluate whether this comment increases referrals to lipid clinics and subsequently leads to more diagnoses of FH. The study will run for 52 weeks, gradually introducing the interpretive comment across different laboratories in the region. By addressing the underdiagnosis of FH, the project seeks to improve cardiovascular health outcomes through timely treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals referred to lipid clinics in Southern Denmark with specific LDL-C levels based on their age.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant or have secondary dyslipidemia or other specific medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly increase the early diagnosis and treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in improving detection rates for similar conditions through systematic screening and interpretive comments, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All referred patients to the lipid clinics of Southern Denmark
* LDL-C ≥ 4 mmol/L in persons under the age of 40.
* LDL-C ≥ 5 mmol/L in persons ≥ 40 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

Pregnancy and Secondary dyslipidemia

* Dysregulated diabetes. Hba1C \< 48
* Dysregulated hypothyreosis. Elevated TSH.
* Kombined hyperlipidiemia TG \> 4 mmol/L
* Nefrotic syndrome: proteinuria \> 3 g/L and s-albumin \< 30 g/l
* Cholestasis (alcalic fosfatase \> 105 U/L and GGT \> 55 U/L) 14 days prior to LDL-C measuring
* Pharmacological induced hyperlipidimia

Where this trial is running

Odense, Funen and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Familial HypercholesterolemiaBiochemistry interpretive commentLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol levelsScreening
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.