sHTG Disorders in Clinical Practice: Using FCS to Highlight Diagnosis and Management

Overview

Explore how Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome (FCS) serves as a valuable model for understanding the diagnosis and management of other rare and severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG) disorders due to its distinct genetic basis and the severe consequences of untreated high triglyceride levels. This program is designed for cardiologists, endocrinologists, lipidologists, gastroenterologists, internists, and other clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of dyslipidemias and rare metabolic disorders. It will also be of value to primary care providers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and clinical pharmacists who encounter patients with hypertriglyceridemia or who play a role in coordinating multidisciplinary care.

Details

Statement of Need

Severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG), defined as triglycerides ≥500 mg/dL, poses significant clinical challenges including recurrent acute pancreatitis. While often driven by secondary factors like obesity, diabetes, or medications, Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome (FCS) represents a rare monogenic form with triglycerides typically >880 mg/dL. Many clinicians feel underprepared to manage sHTG effectively, with low awareness of nutritional strategies, emerging therapies, and indications for genetic testing. This program uses FCS as an illustrative framework to enhance understanding of the full spectrum of sHTG disorders through expert presentations, patient perspectives, and interactive discussion.

Learning Objectives

Describe the range of triglyceride disorders and recognize their clinical importance.
Differentiate Familial Chylomicronemia Syndrome from other causes of severe hypertriglyceridemia using clinical and genetic information.
Apply evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle strategies for managing elevated triglycerides.
Summarize current and emerging pharmacologic treatments for triglyceride disorders.
Incorporate patient perspectives and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to improve care for patients with severe triglyceride disorders.

Financial Support

This activity is supported by an independent educational grant from Ionis Pharmaceuticals and Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals.

Target Audience

This activity is designed for cardiologists, endocrinologists, lipidologists, gastroenterologists, internists, primary care providers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered dietitians, genetic counselors, and clinical pharmacists who encounter patients with hypertriglyceridemia or who play a role in coordinating multidisciplinary care.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of Postgraduate Institute for Medicine (PIM) and the Cardiovascular Institute of Philadelphia. In support of improving patient care, Postgraduate Institute for Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

AMA: PIM designates this live activity for a maximum of 2.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AAPA: PIM designates this activity for 2.50 AAPA Category 1 CME credits. Physician Associates should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ANCC: PIM designates this activity for 2.50 ANCC contact hours. Nurses should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ACPE: PIM designates this continuing education activity for 2.50 contact hour(s) (.25) of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Universal Activity Number – JA4008162-9999-26-082-L01-P

Faculty and Planners

Name	Disclosure
Archna Bajaj, MD	Discloses: Grant/Research Support: Alexion, Amgen, Arrowhead, Eli Lilly, Ionis, Novartis, NewAmsterdam Pharma; Speakers Bureau: Chiesi; Consultant/Advisory Board (ended): Novartis, NewAmsterdam Pharma, Regeneron, Ionis
Frances Burke, MS, RD, LDN	Has nothing to disclose.
Dean Karalis, MD	Has nothing to disclose.
Charles Middleton	Has nothing to disclose.
Daniel E. Soffer, MD	Discloses: Grant/Research Support: PCORI, NIH, Heartflow
James Underberg, MD	Discloses: Grant/Research Support Chiesi Pharma; Speakers Bureau/Honoraria for non-CME: Amgen, Ionis, Arrowhead, Regeneron, Chiesi; Consultant/Advisory Board: NewAmsterdam Pharma, Amgen, Arrowhead, Ionis Steering Committee Member: Aegerion LOWER Registry Trial DMC; Clinical Data Monitoring Committee: Marea Pharma

Unlabeled Use Disclosure

Faculty of this CME/CE activity may include discussions of products or devices that are not currently labeled for use by the FDA. The faculty have been informed of their responsibility to disclose to the audience if they will be discussing off-label or investigational uses (any uses not approved by the FDA) of products or devices. PIM, the faculty, planners, and Cardiovascular Institute of Philadelphia do not endorse the use of any product outside of the FDA labeled indications. Medical professionals should not utilize the procedures, products, or diagnosis techniques discussed during this activity without evaluation of their patient for contraindications or dangers of use.