Dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease among childhood cancer survivors: a St. Jude Lifetime Cohort report

Abstract

Background: Childhood cancer survivors have increased risk of dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated cardiovascular risks of specific lipid abnormalities among childhood cancer survivors.

Methods: Comprehensive lipid panel measurements were obtained from 4115 5-year survivors, with 3406 (mean age at evaluation = 35.2 years, SD = 10.4 years) not having previous dyslipidemia diagnosis, as well as 624 age, sex, and race and ethnicity matched community controls.

Results: Previously undiagnosed dyslipidemia with abnormal low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (>160 mg/dL), non-high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (>190 mg/dL), HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dL for men, <50 mg/dL for women), and triglycerides (>150 mg/dL) were identified in 4%, 6%, 30%, and 17%, respectively. Survivors without previous dyslipidemia diagnosis had higher LDL cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol than community controls. Cranial radiotherapy (relative risk [RR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.6 to 3.0 for non-HDL cholesterol) and total body irradiation for hematopoietic cell transplantation (RR = 6.7, 95% CI = 3.5 to 13.0 for non-HDL cholesterol; RR = 9.9, 95% CI = 6.0 to 16.3 for triglycerides) were associated with greater risk of dyslipidemia. Diagnoses of low HDL cholesterol (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.8 to 4.7) and elevated triglycerides (HR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.9 to 5.1) were associated with increased risk for myocardial infarction, and diagnoses of high LDL cholesterol (HR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.3 to 3.7), high non-HDL cholesterol (HR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.3 to 3.7), low HDL cholesterol (HR = 3.9, 95% CI = 2.8 to 5.4), and elevated triglycerides (HR = 3.8, 95% CI = 2.7 to 5.5) were associated with increased risk for cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions: Previously undiagnosed dyslipidemia among childhood cancer survivors was associated with increased risk for myocardial infarction and cardiomyopathy. Comprehensive dyslipidemia evaluation and treatment are needed to reduce cardiovascular morbidity in this population.