Hyperlipidemia, eating disorders, and smoking cessation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present article is intended to review the recent literature on three topics that are very important in pediatric office practice: hyperlipidemia, eating disorders, and smoking cessation. Review of the current literature will help pediatricians understand current data on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of hyperlipidemia in childhood and adolescence. This article also provides practitioners with a summary of the most current literature on identifying the characteristics and risk factors of pediatric patients with eating disorders. The article concludes with a summary of recent literature on smoking prevention and cessation methods.

RECENT FINDINGS

The current literature shows that practitioners must be more aggressive in screening patients for hyperlipidemia. Education regarding the prevention of hyperlipidemia is also essential. Recent work has further identified the characteristics and risk factors of patients with eating disorders. Further, recent literature has studied innovative tools that can be employed by patients interested in smoking cessation.

SUMMARY

Hyperlipidemia, eating disorders, and smoking are three extremely important problems that negatively impact the lives of children and adolescents. Pediatricians should regularly screen their patients for hyperlipidemia and eating disorders. Practitioners should assist their pediatric patients with the process of smoking cessation.