Cascade Genetic Testing of Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Switzerland379 participantsStarted 2020-11-10
Plain-language summary
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a frequent genetic disorder (1/200) associated with an increased risk of early-onset myocardial infarction. To improve detection and treatment of patient with FH, cascade genetic testing in families is recommended by many cardiovascular prevention guidelines. However, the implementation of national genetic cascade screening is challenging, because legal protection to guarantee privacy of data do not authorize physicians to directly contact at-risk relatives. Using current mobile information technologies and a centralized web-based platform, we designed an ethical genetic cascade screening program for FH to be tested in Switzerland.
Who can participate
Age range
5 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* patients with severe hypercholesterolemia and familial or personal history of early-onset cardiovascular disease = Dutch Lipid Clinic Network score (DLNC) \>= 6 points.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients without at least one contactable first-degree family members
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
the yield of detection of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH)
Timeframe: 2 years
Trial details
NCT IDNCT04419090
SponsorCenter for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisante), University of Lausanne, Switzerland