• Roger Chou, Tracy Dana, Ian Blazina, Monica Daeges, Christina Bougatsos, and Thomas L Jeanne.
• From Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.
• Ann. Intern. Med. 2016 Oct 18; 165 (8): 560-564.

BackgroundDyslipidemia may occur in younger adults (defined as persons aged 21 to 39 years) and is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Screening might identify younger adults with asymptomatic dyslipidemia who may benefit from lipid-lowering therapies.PurposeTo update the 2008 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force review on dyslipidemia screening in younger adults.Data SourcesThe Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and MEDLINE through May 2016, and reference lists.Study SelectionRandomized, controlled trials; cohort studies; and case-control studies on screening for or treatment of asymptomatic dyslipidemia in adults aged 21 to 39 years.Data ExtractionThe plan was for 1 investigator to abstract data and a second to check their accuracy, and for 2 investigators to independently assess study quality; however, no studies met the inclusion criteria.Data SynthesisNo study evaluated the effects of lipid screening versus no screening, treatment versus no treatment, or delayed versus earlier treatment on clinical outcomes in younger adults. In addition, no study evaluated the diagnostic yield of alternative screening strategies (such as targeted screening of persons with a family history of hyperlipidemia vs. general screening) in younger adults.LimitationNo direct relevant evidence.ConclusionDirect evidence on the benefits and harms of screening for or treatment of dyslipidemia in younger adults remains unavailable. Estimating the potential effects of screening for dyslipidemia in this population requires extrapolation from studies performed in older adults.Primary Funding SourceAgency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

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