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Plasmapheresis as an Adjuvant Therapy for Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Pancreatitis

Hypertriglyceridemia is an uncommon cause of pancreatitis. A serum triglyceride level of more then 1000 to 2000 mg/dL is an identifiable risk factor. Interestingly, serum pancreatic enzyme levels may be normal or only minimally elevated in such cases. The reduction of triglyceride level to below 1000 mg/dL effectively prevents further episodes of pancreatitis. The mainstay of treatment for the hypertriglyceridemia associated with pancreatitis includes dietary restriction of fat and administration of lipid-lowering agents. It is thought that within 24 to 48 hours of the onset of pancreatitis, in the majority of patients, triglyceride levels fall rapidly as a result of fasting status, as the absorption of chylomicrons to the blood is cut off. Experiences with plasmapheresis are limited. We report a case of hypertriglyceridemic necrotizing pancreatitis with mildly elevated amylase and lipase, treated successfully with plasmapheresis.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:etsu-works-19993
Date01 January 2004
CreatorsIskandar, Said B., Olive, Kenneth E.
PublisherDigital Commons @ East Tennessee State University
Source SetsEast Tennessee State University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext
SourceETSU Faculty Works

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