A lipid clinic associated with a research laboratory working on dyslipoproteinemias and atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is a widespread disease in affluent societies. Dyslipidemias and susceptibility genes enhance the likelihood of developing coronary artery disease, its most dreaded complication. There is a need for rapid transfer of advances in knowledge to the care of patients with conditions predisposing to atherosclerosis. A lipid clinic associated with a research laboratory, a 'lipid unit', provides an optimal setting to achieve this goal.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the organization, function, usefulness and modus operandi of a lipid unit.

DESIGN

Review of nearly 30 years' experience in directing a lipid unit.

SETTING

A basic research laboratory associated with an outpatient lipid clinic and day care unit in a clinical research institute with academic affiliations.

MEASUREMENTS: Examples of advances made within the framework of a lipid unit are used for illustration.

RESULTS

Major advantages may be derived from a close interaction between clinical and laboratory staffs in a lipid unit and the medical community at large. Such interactions provide a strong incentive for research, foster discoveries of new diseases and facilitate transfer of new knowledge in diagnosis and treatment to patient care. A referral centre for complex problems allows access to unusual cases which may become a starting point for research and discovery. An integrated lipid unit may become a major contributor to medical education and community health care when a dialogue is established with referring physicians.

CONCLUSIONS

The concept of an integrated lipid unit with a role in medical education and health care is viable.