“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Homozygous familial sitosterolaemia (FHSS) is a rare genetic disorder that causes high levels of plant sterols, such as sitosterol, in the blood. Plant sterols are found in many types of food, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. In people with FHSS, the body is unable to properly absorb and excrete these sterols, leading to a buildup in the bloodstream.
The high levels of plant sterols in FHSS can lead to atherosclerosis, which is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. This can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Other symptoms of FHSS may include xanthomas (yellowish deposits of cholesterol and other lipids in the skin), premature coronary artery disease, and arcus corneae (a white or gray ring around the cornea of the eye).
FHSS is caused by mutations in genes that are involved in the metabolism of plant sterols. The condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning that a person must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to develop the condition.
Treatment for FHSS usually involves a combination of dietary changes, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Dietary changes may include limiting the intake of plant sterols and increasing the intake of soluble fiber. Medications such as bile acid sequestrants and statins may be used to help lower cholesterol levels. Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health is also important in managing FHSS.