Pediatric Lipid Disorders
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Comprehensive care for children with cholesterol and triglyceride disorders
Pediatric specialists at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals provide expert diagnosis and care for children with lipid disorders. These conditions cause unhealthy blood levels of lipids (fats), such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Left untreated, they can lead to atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) and raise the patient's risk for heart attack and stroke. Very high triglyceride levels can also cause pancreatitis.
We offer expert, long-term lipid management to prevent complications and help kids live life to the fullest.
Our team and services
Your child's care team includes board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric endocrinologists. We treat:
Genetic lipid disorders. We focus on diagnosing and managing inherited lipid disorders, such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). This genetic condition causes high blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Secondary lipid disorders. We treat lipid problems caused by other health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Our specialists help young patients achieve healthy lipid levels using treatments such as:
Diet changes
Exercise
Medication to lower lipid levels
We take a family-centered approach, working closely with you and your child at every step.
Leaders in lipid disorder research and training
Our program has been at the forefront of lipid disorder research since its founding in 1971. In fact, UCSF researchers played a key role in identifying genes linked to heart attack and stroke.
As part of a teaching hospital, our experts are also dedicated to training future generations of pediatric lipid disorder specialists.
Comprehensive care for children with cholesterol and triglyceride disorders
Pediatric specialists at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals provide expert diagnosis and care for children with lipid disorders. These conditions cause unhealthy blood levels of lipids (fats), such as cholesterol and triglycerides. Left untreated, they can lead to atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries) and raise the patient's risk for heart attack and stroke. Very high triglyceride levels can also cause pancreatitis.
We offer expert, long-term lipid management to prevent complications and help kids live life to the fullest.
Our team and services
Your child's care team includes board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric endocrinologists. We treat:
Genetic lipid disorders. We focus on diagnosing and managing inherited lipid disorders, such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). This genetic condition causes high blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Secondary lipid disorders. We treat lipid problems caused by other health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Our specialists help young patients achieve healthy lipid levels using treatments such as:
Diet changes
Exercise
Medication to lower lipid levels
We take a family-centered approach, working closely with you and your child at every step.
Leaders in lipid disorder research and training
Our program has been at the forefront of lipid disorder research since its founding in 1971. In fact, UCSF researchers played a key role in identifying genes linked to heart attack and stroke.
As part of a teaching hospital, our experts are also dedicated to training future generations of pediatric lipid disorder specialists.
Providers
Sonali Belapurkar, MD
Pediatric Endocrinology
Mary J. Malloy, MD
Pediatric Endocrinology • EndocrinologyJune M. Tester, MD, MPH
Pediatrics • Pediatric Endocrinology
Martin Thelin, MD
Pediatric Endocrinology
Awards & achievements
One of the nation's best for endocrinology & diabetes care
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Atherosclerosis
- Cholesterol Disorders
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Hypertriglyceridemia
Treatments
- Cholesterol Management
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.