• Ruth Agar, Meabh Prendergast, and Vincent Maher.
• Advanced Lipid Management And Research (ALMAR) Centre, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Tallaght University Hospital, Tallaght, D24, Ireland.
• Ir J Med Sci. 2020 Aug 1; 189 (3): 925-931.

BackgroundAbnormal cholesterol profiles are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and severe triglyceride disorders cause life threatening pancreatitis. Identification and treatment of these disorders are essential.AimWe evaluated the services available in Ireland to manage these problems.MethodsWe contacted key personnel in 40 hospitals, 32 public and 8 private providing lipid measurements to assess investigation and treatment availability during 2017/2018.ResultsIn public hospitals, 4 had designated lipid clinics (Dublin 3, Galway 1) (2.9 times < UK), 19 had general clinics and 9 had no service. In private hospitals, 2 had designated clinics, Limerick and Cork, and others had interested physicians. Clinics were run by cardiologists, chemical pathologists, endocrinologists or clinical pharmacologists. One clinic had a lipid nurse versus 75% in the UK. All but one provided full lipid profiles, 15 ordered Lp(a), 9 apoproteins B/A-1 and 9 genetic testing. Lp(a) and apoprotein measurements were provided locally in one hospital and one provided genetic testing. Lipid-lowering drugs were used in all hospitals and 45% had access to PCSK-9 inhibitors. No hospital provided LDL apheresis or plasma exchange. Limitations for service provision included lack of physician interest n = 9, nursing support n = 22, office space n = 13, clinic space n = 22, laboratory support n = 16, nutritional support n = 12 and pharmacy support n = 5.ConclusionsThere are very limited resources available to manage lipid problems in the republic of Ireland relative to the under-resourced UK. Most services rely on interested physicians but ancillary resources are lacking. Where services are available, all drug treatments are utilised.

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