Emergent Triglyceride-lowering Therapy With Early High-volume Hemofiltration Against Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Combined With Insulin in Hypertriglyceridemic Pancreatitis: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Acute Pancreatitis Complicated by Thrombosis in the Right Brachiocephalic Veins and Superior Vena Cava: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is one of the most common digestive emergencies, and vascular complication is one of the primary reasons for death, with splanchnic venous thrombosis being the most common. Although extra-splanchnic venous thrombosis is rare, it carries the risk of life-threatening secondary pulmonary embolism.

CASE PRESENTATION

We have, herein, reported a case of AP complicated by rare brachiocephalic vein thrombosis and superior vena cava thrombosis. A 40 years old woman was diagnosed with severe AP for abdominal pain 21 days ago. The patient received symptomatic treatment, including acid suppression, enzyme suppression, lipid-lowering, fluid infusion, anti-infection, and continuous renal replacement therapy. The patient was discharged after symptomatic relief. Recently, the patient was admitted again for middle-upper abdominal pain and discomfort. On admission, her blood platelet, DDimer, fibrin degradation products (FDP), and triglyceride levels have been found to be increased; abdominal enhanced CT showed pancreatic necrosis and an accumulation of peripancreatic necrosis and fluid, while chest enhanced CT suggested thrombosis in the right brachiocephalic vein and superior vena cava. The patient, however, improved and was discharged after anticoagulation combined with insulin and trypsin inhibitors.

CONCLUSION

In diagnosing and treating AP, dynamic monitoring of D-dimer levels is necessary for the timely detection of the development of thrombotic complications.

Etiological Changes and Prognosis of Hospitalized Patients with Acute Pancreatitis Over a 15-Year Period

BACKGROUND

The worldwide incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) is increasing, but the dominant etiology of AP may vary by country. Mixed etiologies are involved in the increase in the number of AP patients.

AIMS

This study was to analyze the etiological changes and prognosis of AP patients and explore the prognosis of AP patients with mixed etiologies.

METHODS

Using a retrospective analysis method, AP patients hospitalized from January 2007 to December 2021 were selected from a pancreatic center in Nanchang, China. Trends in the main etiologies were analyzed, and the severity and prognosis of different etiologies were compared.

RESULTS

A total of 10,071 patients were included. Cholelithiasis (56.0%), hyperlipidemia (25.3%), and alcohol (6.5%) were the top three etiologies. The proportion of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP) showed a decreasing trend, while the proportion of hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP) and alcoholic AP showed an increasing trend (all ptrend < 0.001). The incidence of organ failure and necrotizing pancreatitis was higher in patients with HTGP than in those with AP induced by other etiologies (all p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality among patients with different etiologies. Patients with AP due to a mixed hypertriglyceridemia-alcoholic etiology had higher ICU admission rates and were more severe than those with AP induced by other mixed etiologies.

CONCLUSION

In the past 15 years, the proportion of ABP has trended downward, while those of HTGP and alcoholic AP have risen. Among patients with mixed etiologies, those with a mixed hypertriglyceridemia-alcoholic etiology had a worse prognosis.

Comparison of different intensive triglyceride-lowering therapies in patients with hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

The goal of this study was to investigate the clinical value of emergent triglyceride (TG)-lowering therapies for hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis (HLAP).

METHODS

126 HLAP patients were assigned randomly to receive either conventional treatment (CT), normal saline (NS) alone, or continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) as an intensive TG-lowering therapy. TG levels, clinical outcomes, and inflammatory biomarkers were compared among the three groups.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly among the groups. CVVH removed TG from the plasma and achieved its target TG (<500 mg/dL) in approximately 25 h, compared to 40 h in the NS alone group and no targeted effect within 48 h in the CT group (P < 0.05). Although the majority of clinical outcomes did not differ significantly, an unexpectedly higher incidence of organ failure occurred in the CVVH group compared to the others. Hospital costs, severe AP patients and length of stay were significantly higher in the CVVH group compared to the other groups (P < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Early CVVH lowers TG levels more efficiently than NS alone or CT therapy, but is not superior in terms of clinical outcomes and costs. NS also lowers TG levels and is significantly less costly than the other two treatments. Further multicenter studies are needed to determine the feasibility of NS alone treatment for HLAP patients.

Evaluating the efficacy and timing of blood purification modalities in early-stage hyperlipidemic acute pancreatitis treatment

Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) is characterized by a violent cytokine storm-driven inflammation and is associated with a predisposition to severe disease. The treatment strategy for HTG-AP consists mainly of conventional symptomatic and lipid-lowering treatments. For early-stage HTG-AP, blood purification (BP) can rapidly and effectively reduce serum triglyceride and inflammatory cytokine levels, block the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and improve patient outcomes. Currently, the primary modalities for BP in patients with HTG-AP include plasma exchange, hemoperfusion, and hemofiltration. When using BP to treat patients with HTG-AP, a comprehensive analysis incorporating the elevated lipid levels and severity of the patient's condition contributes to the selection of different treatment modes. Moreover, the timing of the treatment is also imperative. Early intervention is associated with a better prognosis for patients with HTG-AP requiring lipid-lowering treatment.

Lipid-lowering therapy for hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis: Recent advances

With the improvement of the living standard, hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) has become the second major cause of acute pancreatitis (AP) in China. Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) has its own unique characteristics. First, the elevation of blood amylase and lipase levels is not significant. Second, the severity of the disease positively correlates with blood triglyceride (TG) level. The goal of treatment of HTG-AP is to lower blood lipids rapidly. Common lipid-lowering methods include dietary modification, lipid-lowering drugs, low-molecular heparin combined with insulin, blood purification, and combined Chinese and Western medicine. This article reviews the recent advances on lipid-lowering approaches used in HTG-AP patients.

Hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis managed with heparin and insulin: a case report

BACKGROUND

Alcohol and gall stones are common causes of pancreatitis. Other causes of pancreatitis include hypertriglyceridemia, trauma, congenital anomalies, and medications. Hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis is distinguished, as it is more severe and complicated. The management of hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis, other than the basic care given to other pancreatitis patients, is to decrease the serum triglyceride level to less than 500 mg/dl as soon as possible. Plasmapheresis, hemofiltration, and other modalities have been proven effective therapies, but, are expensive and not easily accessible. Insulin and heparin which are cheaper alternatives for treatment, have been reported in case reports along with one randomized controlled trial. The number of patients in these reports was small, so, the therapy is not well established. For most African countries like ours, the only option for management is heparin and insulin. Despite this fact, there has not been any publication regarding this issue on our continent.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a 24 years old Ethiopian male who presented with severe central abdominal pain, easy fatiguability, and vomiting of one-day duration. He was tachycardic and tachypneic with diffuse abdominal tenderness, and had tendon xanthomas. His plasma was lactescent with a serum triglyceride level of 4775 mg/dl. His abdominal CT scan showed diffuse pancreatic swelling with a peripancreatic fluid collection, and his serum lipase was elevated. With a diagnosis of hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis, he was managed with intravenous insulin infusion along with subcutaneous heparin. His random blood sugar was checked hourly with three episodes of hypoglycemia during therapy. His serum triglyceride level dropped to less than 500 mg/dl in three days, and he was discharged with no complications.

CONCLUSION

Since our findings are consistent with a prior randomized controlled trial and compilation of case reports, it would strengthen the evidence for safety and efficacy of insulin and heparin therapy. This therapy, which is the only available therapy in most countries of our continent, would decrease most of the complications of hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis that we face. We believe, our report would be a wake-up call for researchers and clinicians in our continent to change their practice and strengthen the evidence for the treatment.

Early Plasmapheresis Among Patients With Hypertriglyceridemia-Associated Acute Pancreatitis

Importance

The incidence of hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) is increasing. Plasmapheresis is theoretically effective in removing triglyceride from plasma, but whether it confers clinical benefits is unclear.

Objective

To assess the association between plasmapheresis and the incidence and duration of organ failure among patients with HTG-AP.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This is an a priori analysis of data from a multicenter, prospective cohort study with patients enrolled from 28 sites across China. Patients with HTG-AP were admitted within 72 hours from the disease onset. The first patient was enrolled on November 7th, 2020, and the last on November 30th, 2021. The follow-up of the 300th patient was completed on January 30th, 2022. Data were analyzed from April to May 2022.

Exposures

Receiving plasmapheresis. The choice of triglyceride-lowering therapies was at the discretion of the treating physicians.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was organ failure-free days to 14 days of enrollment. Secondary outcomes included other measures for organ failure, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, duration of ICU and hospital stays, incidence of infected pancreatic necrosis, and 60-day mortality. Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) analyses were used to control potential confounders.

Results

Overall, 267 patients with HTG-AP were enrolled (185 [69.3%] were male; median [IQR] age, 37 [31-43] years), among whom 211 underwent conventional medical treatment and 56 underwent plasmapheresis. PSM created 47 pairs of patients with balanced baseline characteristics. In the matched cohort, no difference was detected concerning organ failure-free days between patients undergoing plasmapheresis or not (median [IQR], 12.0 [8.0-14.0] vs 13.0 [8.0-14.0]; P = .94). Moreover, more patients in the plasmapheresis group required ICU admission (44 [93.6%] vs 24 [51.1%]; P < .001). The IPTW results conformed to the results from the PSM analysis.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this large multicenter cohort study of patients with HTG-AP, plasmapheresis was commonly used to lower plasma triglyceride. However, after adjusting for confounders, plasmapheresis was not associated with the incidence and duration of organ failure, but with increased ICU requirements.

A novel homozygous nonsense variant of LMF1 in pregnancy-induced hypertriglyceridemia with acute pancreatitis

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG)-induced pancreatitis during pregnancy could lead to maternal and fetal death. However, its genetic bases are not fully understood, and its treatment strategies are yet to be established. Here we report a case with a novel homozygous nonsense variant of LMF1 in pregnancy-associated HTG with acute pancreatitis. Our patient had childhood-onset severe HTG that had been well-controlled by dietary management in the non-pregnant period with plasma triglyceride (TG) levels at around 200 mg/dL. Milky plasma was noted at the first-trimester pregnancy checkup, followed by a severe increase in plasma TG (10,500 mg/dL) that resulted in pancreatitis in the last trimester. The implementation of strict dietary fat restriction (less than 4 grams per day) reduced plasma TG levels and led to successful delivery. Exome sequencing revealed a novel homozygous nonsense variant in LMF1 (c.697C>T, p.Arg233Ter). The activities of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase in post-heparin plasma were not abolished but reduced. The use of pemafibrate decreased plasma TG levels with a concomitant increase in LPL activity. HTG in childhood or early pregnancy is commonly assumed to be polygenic in origin but should be regarded as a feature suggestive of monogenic hyperchylomicronemia. Adequate TG monitoring and dietary fat restriction should be implemented to prevent potentially lethal events of pancreatitis.

Severe Hypertriglyceridaemia and Chylomicronaemia Syndrome-Causes, Clinical Presentation, and Therapeutic Options

We have reviewed the genetic basis of chylomicronaemia, the difference between monogenic and polygenic hypertriglyceridaemia, its effects on pancreatic, cardiovascular, and microvascular complications, and current and potential future pharmacotherapies. Severe hypertriglyceridaemia (TG > 10 mmol/L or 1000 mg/dL) is rare with a prevalence of <1%. It has a complex genetic basis. In some individuals, the inheritance of a single rare variant with a large effect size leads to severe hypertriglyceridaemia and fasting chylomicronaemia of monogenic origin, termed as familial chylomicronaemia syndrome (FCS). Alternatively, the accumulation of multiple low-effect variants causes polygenic hypertriglyceridaemia, which increases the tendency to develop fasting chylomicronaemia in presence of acquired factors, termed as multifactorial chylomicronaemia syndrome (MCS). FCS is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by a pathogenic variant of the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene or one of its regulators. The risk of pancreatic complications and associated morbidity and mortality are higher in FCS than in MCS. FCS has a more favourable cardiometabolic profile and a low prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) compared to MCS. The cornerstone of the management of severe hypertriglyceridaemia is a very-low-fat diet. FCS does not respond to traditional lipid-lowering therapies. Several novel pharmacotherapeutic agents are in various phases of development. Data on the correlation between genotype and phenotype in FCS are scarce. Further research to investigate the impact of individual gene variants on the natural history of the disease, and its link with ASCVD, microvascular disease, and acute or recurrent pancreatitis, is warranted. Volanesorsen reduces triglyceride concentration and frequency of pancreatitis effectively in patients with FCS and MCS. Several other therapeutic agents are in development. Understanding the natural history of FCS and MCS is necessary to rationalise healthcare resources and decide when to deploy these high-cost low-volume therapeutic agents.

Mechanisms linking hypertriglyceridemia to acute pancreatitis

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a metabolic disorder, defined when serum or plasma triglyceride concentration (seTG) is >1.7 mM. HTG can be categorized as mild to very severe groups based on the seTG value. The risk of acute pancreatitis (AP), a serious disease with high mortality and without specific therapy, increases with the degree of HTG. Furthermore, even mild or moderate HTG aggravates AP initiated by other important etiological factors, including alcohol or bile stone. This review briefly summarizes the pathophysiology of HTG, the epidemiology of HTG-induced AP and the clinically observed effects of HTG on the outcomes of AP. Our main focus is to discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms linking HTG to AP. HTG is accompanied by an increased serum fatty acid (FA) concentration, and experimental results have demonstrated that these FAs have the most prominent role in causing the consequences of HTG during AP. FAs inhibit mitochondrial complexes in pancreatic acinar cells, induce pathological elevation of intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration, cytokine release and tissue injury, and reduce the function of pancreatic ducts. Furthermore, high FA concentrations can induce respiratory, kidney, and cardiovascular failure in AP. All these effects may contribute to the observed increased AP severity and frequent organ failure in patients. Importantly, experimental results suggest that the reduction of FA production by lipase inhibitors can open up new therapeutic options of AP. Overall, investigating the pathophysiology of HTG-induced AP or AP in the presence of HTG and determining possible treatments are needed.

Acute pancreatitis due to hypertriglyceridemia: Plasmapheresis versus medical treatment

OBJECTIVE

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is the third-most common cause of acute pancreatitis. Plasmapheresis is an extracorporeal treatment method used for treatment. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of medical treatment and plasmapheresis in patients with acute pancreatitis due to HTG.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment they received as those who received only medical treatment and those who performed plasmapheresis with medical treatment. According to the treatment received by the patients; clinical, demographic, and laboratory data, Ranson scores, and bedside index of severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP) scores, decrease in triglyceride levels in 24 h, length of hospital stay, and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients were included in the study. The level of triglyceride decreases at the 24^th h was 59.7% ±17.3% in those who received medical treatment and was 70.4% ±15.1% in those who received plasmapheresis (P = 0.032). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to predict the need for plasmapheresis treatment, area under the curve (AUC) value of the triglyceride level was the highest (AUC: 0.822, 95% confidence interval: [0.703-0.940]; P < 0.001), the sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 72.4%, respectively, and the cut-off value of triglyceride was accepted as 3079.5 mg/dL.

CONCLUSION

Plasma triglyceride levels and BISAP score on admission may help physicians to predict the need for plasmapheresis. Plasmapheresis helps to rapidly reduce triglyceride levels in patients with HTG-associated acute pancreatitis.

Insulin or blood purification treatment for hypertriglyceridaemia-associated acute pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Hypertriglyceridaemia increases risks from acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) over other aetiologies, but optimal management for HTG-AP remains undefined. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of insulin-based treatment (IT) versus blood purification treatment (BPT) for HTG-AP.

METHODS

Searches were conducted to identify randomised trials and observational studies published between 1946 and 2022 that compared IT and BPT for HTG-AP reporting baseline and post-treatment serum triglyceride (TG) levels with clinical outcomes. The primary outcome was serum TG reduction (Δ-TG) from baseline while secondary outcomes included complications, length of stay, adverse events, and cost.

RESULTS

Fifteen (1 randomised, 2 prospective case-controlled, and 12 retrospective cohort) studies were analysed comprising 909 cases with HTG-AP. Pooled results demonstrated IT was significantly less efficient than BPT in Δ-TG at 24 h (WMD -666.06, 95% CI -1130.18 to -201.94, P = 0.005; 12 studies), at 48 h (WMD -672.60, 95% CI -1233.44 to -111.77; 8 studies), and overall Δ-TG by day 7 (WMD -385.81, 95% CI -711.07 to -60.54; 8 studies) (both P = 0.02). IT, however, was associated with significantly fewer adverse events (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.27, P < 0.0001; 7 studies) and significantly reduced cost (WMD -2.50, 95% CI -3.61 to -1.39, P < 0.00001; 3 studies). Other secondary outcomes were not significantly different between the two regimens (all P ≥ 0.11). In subgroup analysis Δ-TG at 24 h and overall Δ-TG became insignificant, while other results were unaffected.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the general use of IT for inpatient management of HTG-AP, restricting BPT to those predicted or found to respond poorly to IT.

Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Acute Pancreatitis - Course, Outcome, and Comparison with Non-Hypertriglyceridemia Associated Pancreatitis

Background

Although hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a well-established cause of acute pancreatitis (AP), there are no definitive management guidelines. Studies comparing clinical severity and outcome of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTGAP) and non- HTGAP are scarce. Hence, the present study was undertaken.

Materials and Methods

All consecutive patients admitted with AP from January 2017 to August 2021 at university teaching hospital were included in this study. Data with regards to patient demographics; clinical, laboratory, and radiologic parameters; management strategies; and outcome were collected and compared between HTGAP and non-HTGAP patients.

Results

Overall, 550 patients with AP were admitted during the study period, of which 21 (3.8%) were HTG related. Mean age of HTGAP patients was 34.3 years (M: F = 14:7), and the mean serum triglyceride (TG) levels on admission were 3,718.9 mg/dL (range 1,094-11,991). Insulin infusion therapy was used in 18 patients with HTGAP and the target TG levels of ≤500 mg/dL was achieved in 4.2 days (mean). Compared to non-HTGAP patients, HTGAP patients had higher body mass index (29.2 vs. 25.6), higher clinical (BISAP 2.6 vs. 2.06) and radiologic severity scores (CT severity score 7.5 v/s 4.8), and required prolonged hospital stay (12.9 vs. 6.5 days).

Conclusion

HTGAP occurred in young patients with high BMI and was associated with more severe disease, that required prolonged hospitalization than patients with non-HTGAP. Insulin infusion therapy was effective in reducing serum TG levels.

Blood Purification for Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Acute Pancreatitis: A Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of our study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of blood purification (BP) therapy in hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for articles published.

RESULTS

The analysis included 13 studies with 934 patients (263 in BP group, 671 in control group). There was no difference in efficacy and safety between the BP group and the control group (all P > 0.05). Compared with conventional treatment, BP had shorter hospital stay (mean difference, -4.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], -8.81 to -1.11; P = 0.01) in the case of similar mortality and complications. Meanwhile, insulin treatment showed similar mortality to BP, but fewer local complications (odds risk, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.13-4.20; P = 0.02) and shorter hospital stay (mean difference, 5.46; 95% CI, 0.64-10.29; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis, BP methods are effective in accelerating triglyceride level reduction and shortening hospital stay but do not affect the efficacy or reduce mortality significantly compared with conventional treatment. Insulin therapy has the same effect as BP but decreases incidence of complications and cost.

Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Pancreatitis and a Lipemic Blood Sample: A Case Report and Brief Clinical Review

Hypertriglyceridemia is the third most common cause of acute pancreatitis after gallstones and long-term alcohol use. There are specific therapeutic options unique to hyperglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis, such as continuous insulin therapy and plasmapheresis, emphasizing the importance of identifying hypertriglyceridemia as the cause. Triglyceride levels > 1000 mg/dL may result in a visibly lipemic blood sample. Lipemic samples may interfere with laboratory equipment, resulting in erroneous levels or the inability to measure several serum blood tests. Consider hypertriglyceridemia as a cause for acute pancreatitis in the setting of a lipemic blood sample or when gallstones have been excluded.

Hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis treated with continuous insulin infusion-Case series

OBJECTIVE

There are no definitive treatment guidelines for hypertriglyceridemia (HTG)-induced acute pancreatitis (AP). The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of insulin in decreasing triglyceride (TG) levels in patients with HTG-induced AP.

DESIGN

We included 17 cases of HTG-induced AP treated with continuous insulin aspart for 4 days.

PATIENTS

Fifteen patients were male, two were female. The mean TG level at admission was 56.53 ± 25.29 mmol/L. The mean APACHE II score was 10.2 ± 5.7, Ranson 4.2 ± 1.7 and Balthazar 6.5 ± 2.6, implying a severe form of the disease.

METHODS

In an 8-year period, 17 patients with a diagnosis of HTG-induced AP were treated with a continuous infusion of 5% dextrose and insulin aspart in an attempt to lower TG levels. TG levels were assessed on admission, the second and fourth day of therapy. The patient outcome, complications and recurrence of AP were monitored.

RESULTS

A significant reduction of TG levels was observed in all patients on Day 4. All patients survived, with one forming a giant pseudocyst as a disease complication, one needing haemodialyses treatment due to an acute kidney injury, and one developing acute respiratory distress syndrome that required mechanical ventilation for 4 days. All patients recovered completely.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that continuous insulin aspart infusion decreases TG levels in HTG-induced AP from a mean TG level of 56.53 mmol/L on Day 1 to 21.75 mmol/L on Day 2 and finally to 6.86 mmol/L on Day 4. We consider this therapy very efficient, safe, simple to administer and monitor.

The Effect of Plasma Triglyceride-Lowering Therapy on the Evolution of Organ Function in Early Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Acute Pancreatitis Patients With Worrisome Features (PERFORM Study): Rationale and Design of a Multicenter, Prospective, Observational, Cohort Study

Background: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a potentially life-threatening inflammatory disease with multiple etiologies. The prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) has been increasing in recent years. It is reported that early triglyceride (TG) levels were associated with the severity of the disease, and TG- lowering therapies, including medical treatment and blood purification, may impact the clinical outcomes. However, there is no consensus regarding the optimal TG-lowering therapy, and clinical practice varies greatly among different centers. Our objective is to evaluate the TG-lowering effects of different therapies and their impact on clinical outcomes in HTG-AP patients with worrisome features. Methods: This is a multicenter, observational, prospective cohort study. A total of approximately 300 patients with HTG-AP with worrisome features are planned to be enrolled. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the relationship between TG decline and the evolution of organ failure, and patients will be dichotomized depending on the rate of TG decline. The primary outcome is organ failure (OF) free days to 14 days after enrollment. Secondary outcomes include new-onset organ failure, new-onset multiple-organ failure (MOF), new-onset persistent organ failure (POF), new receipt of organ support, requirement of ICU admission, ICU free days to day 14, hospital free days to day 14, 60-day mortality, AP severity grade (Based on the Revised Atlanta Classification), and incidence of systemic and local complications. Generalized linear model (GLM), Fine and Gray competing risk regression, and propensity score matching will be used for statistical analysis. Discussion: Results of this study will reveal the current practice of TG-lowering therapy in HTG-AP and provide necessary data for future trials.

Clinical analysis of the therapeutic effect of plasma exchange on hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The therapeutic effect of plasma exchange (PE) on hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis (HTGAP) is unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore this therapeutic effect.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This study included 204 patients with HTGAP who underwent treatment at two provincial tertiary grade A hospitals in Fujian Province from October 2012 to May 2021. Patients were divided into a conventional group and a PE group. The Student's t-test and chi-square test were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Among 204 patients, 56 and 148 were included in the PE and conventional groups, respectively. After propensity score matching (PSM), the PE and conventional groups each had 42 patients. There was no significant difference in age; sex; pregnancy; comorbidities; laboratory findings; incidences of complications, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS); organ support treatment; surgical rate; mortality; and hospital stay between the groups (p > 0.05). The total expenses were significantly higher in the PE group than in the conventional group (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the times of PE; total volume of PE; incidences of complications, and MODS; organ support treatment; surgical rate; mortality; and hospital stay between the early PE and delayed PE groups (p > 0.05). All patients in the PE group and conventional group with acute renal failure had significantly higher D-dimer levels than those without acute renal failure (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Compared with conventional treatment, PE does not have a better therapeutic effect on HTGAP. The D-dimer level can predict whether patients with HTGAP will have acute renal failure.

Hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis

Hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis is an emerging issue in gastroenterology, frequently underdiagnosed in clinical practice. Despite the rarity of the disease, hypertriglyceridemia should be considered as a leading cause of acute pancreatitis, especially in defined subsets of patients. Primary and secondary forms of hypertriglyceridemia need to be considered and excluded during the diagnostic work-up of all patients with acute pancreatitis. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to establish an appropriate treatment and to reduce the risk of recurrences. The aim of the present article is to briefly review epidemiology, etiology, diagnosis and therapy of hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis, based on a clinical and practical point of view.

Recurrent Pancreatitis in a Pregnant Woman with Severe Hypertriglyceridemia Successfully Managed by Multiple Plasmapheresis

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a state of increased serum triglyceride (TG) affected by multigenetic and multifactorial causes. Serum TG concentration can be markedly elevated if exposed to precipitating factors, such as estrogen hormone and pregnancy. We report the case of a patient with severe HTG who suffered from recurrent pancreatitis during the second trimester of pregnancy conceived within vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) and was successfully controlled by multiple sessions of plasmapheresis.

A 24-year-old pregnant woman was admitted because of a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain at 26 weeks of gestation conceived by IVF-ET. She has experienced recurrent pancreatitis despite low-fat diet and dyslipidemia medications allowed in pregnancy. At admission, serum amylase and lipase were elevated to 347 and 627 U/L, respectively, along with fasting TG to 4809 mg/dL. A clinical diagnosis of HTG-induced acute pancreatitis was made, and plasmapheresis was performed. After plasmapheresis, serum TG, amylase, and lipase levels decreased to 556 mg/dL, 60 U/L, and 69 U/L, respectively, along with subsequent pain relief. The patient underwent a total of nine sessions of plasmapheresis to retain serum TG lower than 1,000 mg/dL during pregnancy, with no further recurrence of acute pancreatitis. After delivery, the serum TG level was maintained below 500 mg/dL with a combination treatment of fenofibrate, statin, and ezetimibe.

Although severe HTG is usually asymptomatic, if exposed to precipitating factors, it can cause acute pancreatitis, a fatal complication. Early application of plasmapheresis may be a useful option in HTG-induced acute pancreatitis intractable to medical treatment; however, its indications, risks, and benefits should be carefully evaluated.

Current Diagnosis and Management of Primary Chylomicronemia

Primary chylomicronemia (PCM) is a rare and intractable disease characterized by marked accumulation of chylomicrons in plasma. The levels of plasma triglycerides (TGs) typically range from 1,000 - 15,000 mg/dL or higher.

PCM is caused by defects in the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) pathway due to genetic mutations, autoantibodies, or unidentified causes. The monogenic type is typically inherited as an autosomal recessive trait with loss-of-function mutations in LPL pathway genes ( LPL , LMF1 , GPIHBP1 , APOC2 , and APOA5 ). Secondary/environmental factors (diabetes, alcohol intake, pregnancy, etc.) often exacerbate hypertriglyceridemia (HTG).

The signs, symptoms, and complications of chylomicronemia include eruptive xanthomas, lipemia retinalis, hepatosplenomegaly, and acute pancreatitis with onset as early as in infancy. Acute pancreatitis can be fatal and recurrent episodes of abdominal pain may lead to dietary fat intolerance and failure to thrive.

The main goal of treatment is to prevent acute pancreatitis by reducing plasma TG levels to at least less than 500-1,000 mg/dL. However, current TG-lowering medications are generally ineffective for PCM. The only other treatment options are modulation of secondary/environmental factors. Most patients need strict dietary fat restriction, which is often difficult to maintain and likely affects their quality of life.

Timely diagnosis is critical for the best prognosis with currently available management, but PCM is often misdiagnosed and undertreated. The aim of this review is firstly to summarize the pathogenesis, signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and management of PCM, and secondly to propose simple diagnostic criteria that can be readily translated into general clinical practice to improve the diagnostic rate of PCM. In fact, these criteria are currently used to define eligibility to receive social support from the Japanese government for PCM as a rare and intractable disease.

Nevertheless, further research to unravel the molecular pathogenesis and develop effective therapeutic modalities is warranted. Nationwide registry research on PCM is currently ongoing in Japan with the aim of better understanding the disease burden as well as the unmet needs of this life-threatening disease with poor therapeutic options.

A narrative review of acute pancreatitis and its diagnosis, pathogenetic mechanism, and management

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease that can progress to severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), which increases the risk of death. AP is characterized by inappropriate activation of trypsinogen, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and destruction of secretory cells. Other contributing factors may include calcium (Ca²⁺) overload, mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired autophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. In addition, exosomes are also associated with pathophysiological processes of many human diseases and may play a biological role in AP. However, the pathogenic mechanism has not been fully elucidated and needs to be further explored to inform treatment. Recently, the treatment guidelines have changed; minimally invasive therapy is advocated more as the core multidisciplinary participation and "step-up" approach. The surgical procedures have gradually changed from open surgery to minimally invasive surgery that primarily includes percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD), endoscopy, small incision surgery, and video-assisted surgery. The current guidelines for the management of AP have been updated and revised in many aspects. The type of fluid to be used, the timing, volume, and speed of administration for fluid resuscitation has been controversial. In addition, the timing and role of nutritional support and prophylactic antibiotic therapy, as well as the timing of the surgical or endoscopic intervention, and the management of complications still have many uncertainties that could negatively impact the prognosis and patients' quality of life. Consequently, to inform clinicians about optimal treatment, we aimed to review recent advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of AP and its diagnosis and management.

Progress in diagnosis and treatment of hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis

At present, the incidence of hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) is on the rise, the age of onset tends to be younger, and severe HTG-AP is more common. HTG has become the second major cause of acute pancreatitis (AP) in China. Previous studies have demonstrated that the severity of hypertriglyceridemia correlates with the severity of AP. However, the pathogeneses of HTG and HTG-AP are still unknown. The treatments for HTG-AP include low-calorie diet, insulin, heparin, lipid-lowering drugs, and blood purification. Although these treatments, especially blood purification measures represented by plasma exchange, have been proven to reduce blood lipid levels, they still need to be confirmed by high-quality randomized controlled trials to improve the prognosis of HTG-AP. The value of gene diagnosis and therapy in the diagnosis and treatment of HTG-AP has attracted more and more attention, which may be an important direction of HTG-AP research in the future.

[Acute kidney injury following acute pancreatitis (AP-AKI): Definition, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Therapy]

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the most frequent gastrointestinal cause for hospitalization and one of the leading causes of in-hospital deaths. Severe acute pancreatitis is often associated with multiorgan failure and especially with acute kidney injury (AKI). AKI can develop early or late in the course of the disease and is a strong determinator of outcome. The mortality in the case of dialysis-dependent AKI and acute pancreatitis raises exponentially in the affected patients. AP-induced AKI (AP-AKI) shows many similarities but also distinct differences to other causes of AKI occurring in the intensive care unit setting. The knowledge of the exact pathophysiology can help to adjust, control and improve therapeutic approaches to the disease. Unfortunately, there are only a few studies dealing with AP and AKI.In this review, we discuss recent data about pathogenesis, causes and management of AP-AKI in patients with severe acute pancreatitis and exploit in this regard the diagnostic and prognostic potential of respective newer serum and urine markers.

Retrospective analysis of outcomes in patients with acute hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis treated without therapeutic plasma exchange

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is often used to decrease serum triglyceride levels in hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP), although there is a lack of high-quality data directly attributing improved clinical outcomes to TPE. There are currently no large studies evaluating the treatment of HTGP without TPE.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This study retrospectively analyzes clinical and laboratory outcomes of 115 encounters at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) wherein a HTGP patient was treated without TPE and compares these outcomes to those of HTGP patients in the literature treated with TPE.

RESULTS

After management without TPE, the median reduction in serum triglycerides was 48% (IQR 29%-63%) on day one and 74% (IQR 60%-84%) on day two in 115 episodes of acute HTGP. The reductions were comparable to those reported in several large published case series after a course of TPE (65.8% to 81% reduction). In 25 episodes among 24 patients, treatment included admission to an intensive care unit. There was no significant difference in mortality or rates of local complication, mechanical ventilation, or use of vasoactive medication or renal replacement therapy between this ICU subset and published cohorts (all P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

HTGP patients who do not receive TPE do not experience inferior outcomes compared to patients in the literature treated with TPE. The added value of TPE in HTGP, if any exists, needs to be demonstrated in controlled trials.

Incidence and Management of Hypertriglyceridemia-Associated Acute Pancreatitis: A Prospective Case Series in a Single Australian Tertiary Centre

BACKGROUND

Hypertriglyceridemia-associated acute pancreatitis (HTGAP) has been linked with increased severity and morbidity. In this study, triglyceride levels were measured in all patients admitted with acute pancreatitis (AP) to establish the incidence of HTGAP in an Australian center.

METHODS

A prospective cohort with AP was collated over an 18-month period in a single tertiary referral hospital. HTGAP was defined as AP with triglycerides ≥ 11.2 mmol/L (1000 mg/dL). Incidence, clinical co-morbidities, severity and management strategies were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 292 episodes of AP, 248 (85%) had triglycerides measured and were included. HTGAP was diagnosed in 10 of 248 (4%) AP cases. Type 2 diabetes, obesity, alcohol misuse and gallstones were common cofactors. The HTGAP group demonstrated severe hypertriglyceridemia compared to the non-HTGAP group (median 51 mmol/L vs. 1.3 mmol/L). Intensive care unit (ICU) admissions were significantly increased (odds ratio (OR) 16; 95% CI 4-62) in the HTGAP group (5/10 vs. 14/238 admissions, p < 0.001) and constituted 26% (5/19) of total ICU admissions for AP. Four patients received intravenous insulin with fasting and had a rapid reduction in triglyceride levels by 65-77% within 24 h; one patient had mild hypoglycemia secondary to therapy.

CONCLUSION

HTGAP occurred in 4% of AP cases and was associated with higher risk of ICU admission. Intravenous insulin and fasting appear safe and efficacious for acutely lowering triglyceride levels in HTGAP.

Low-Molecular-Weight Heparin Combined With Insulin Versus Insulin Alone in the Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemic Pancreatitis (LIHTGP Trial): Study Protocol for a Multicenter, Prospective, Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Currently, insulin and/or heparin/low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) serve as an early lipid-lowering treatment for hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP). However, whether the clinical prognosis of combining LMWH with insulin is superior to using insulin alone remains unknown. This trial will compare the clinical outcomes of LMWH with insulin and an insulin regimen for emergency lipid-lowering treatment in HTGP patients.

METHODS

In total, 476 eligible participants will be recruited from 18 hospitals throughout China. Participants in the LMWH group will receive LMWH combined with insulin, whereas insulin alone will be administered to those in the insulin group. The patients will be followed up at 3 and 6 months after discharge. Adverse reactions will be evaluated by the safety monitoring committee. Safety outcomes and adverse events will also be recorded.

RESULTS

The study is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No: ChiCTR1900023640). Recruitment will begin in August 2019 and will be completed in December 2021 (http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx). No data are available now.

CONCLUSIONS

The trial will investigate the efficacy of using LMWH combined with insulin as an emergency lipid-lowering treatment in reducing new organ failure, mortality, hospital stays, and expenses compared using with insulin alone for patients with HTGP.

A case report of acute pancreatitis with glycogen storage disease type IA in an adult patient and review of the literature

RATIONALE

Glycogen storage disease type IA (GSD IA) is an inherited disorder of glycogen metabolism characterized by fasting hypoglycemia, hyperuricemia, and hyperlipidemia including hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). Patients have a higher risk of developing acute pancreatitis (AP) because of HTG. AP is a potentially life-threatening disease with a wide spectrum severity. Nevertheless, almost no reports exist on GSD IA-induced AP in adult patients.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 23-year-old male patient with GSD 1A is presented, who developed moderate severe AP due to HTG.

DIAGNOSES

The GSD 1A genetic background of this patient was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Laboratory tests, along with abdominal enhanced-computed tomography, were used for the diagnosis of HTG and AP.

INTERVENTIONS

This patient was transferred to the intensive care unit and treated by reducing HTG, suppressing gastric acid, inhibiting trypsin activity, and relieving hyperuricemia and gout.

OUTCOMES

Fifteen days after hospital admission, the patient had no complaints about abdominal pain and distention. Follow-up of laboratory tests displayed almost normal values. Reexamination by computed tomography exhibited a reduction in peripancreatic necrotic fluid collection compared with the initial stage.

LESSONS

Fast and long-term reduction of triglycerides along with management of AP proved effective in relieving suffering of an adult GSD IA-patient and improving prognosis. Thus, therapeutic approaches have to be renewed and standardized to cope with all complications, especially AP, and enable a better outcome so that patients can master the disease.

Management of hypertriglyceridemia

Hypertriglyceridemia is one of the most common lipid abnormalities encountered in clinical practice. Many monogenic disorders causing severe hypertriglyceridemia have been identified, but in most patients triglyceride elevations result from a combination of multiple genetic variations with small effects and environmental factors. Common secondary causes include obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, alcohol misuse, and various commonly used drugs. Correcting these factors and optimizing lifestyle choices, including dietary modification, is important before starting drug treatment. The goal of drug treatment is to reduce the risk of pancreatitis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia and cardiovascular disease in those with moderate hypertriglyceridemia. This review discusses the various genetic and acquired causes of hypertriglyceridemia, as well as current management strategies. Evidence supporting the different drug and non-drug approaches to treating hypertriglyceridemia is examined, and an easy to adopt step-by-step management strategy is presented.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Very Severe Hypertriglyceridemia, and Pseudohyponatremia Successfully Managed With Insulin Infusion

Hypertriglyceridemia is a common lipid abnormality that has serious consequences, such as acute pancreatitis and premature atherosclerosis. The consensus for first-line treatment to lower the triglyceride levels has not been fully evaluated. We present a case of very severe hypertriglyceridemia with diabetic ketoacidosis and an artifactual pseudohyponatremia. The patient was effectively and safely treated with guideline-directed medical therapy; however, it needed a longer duration of intravenous insulin. Therefore, our case has been in agreement with literature by concluding that insulin is in fact an effective and minimally invasive form to lower a high triglyceride level, especially in patients who have concurrent uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.

The role of double filtration plasmapheresis in hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis: A propensity score matching analysis

INTRODUCTION

The role of double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) in hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP) is still not well established. Our study aimed to investigate the efficacy of DFPP in reducing triglyceride levels as well as their effects on the outcomes of HTGP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the data of patients with HTGP presenting within 72 hours from symptom onset between January 2016 and February 2019. Patients with DFPP treatment were compared with those without DFPP treatment. We used a propensity score matching analysis to reduce confounding factors.

RESULTS

Of the 249 patients enrolled, 88 (35.3%) were treated with DFPP. The DFPP was initiated at a median of 7.7 hours from the time of presentation. In the propensity score-matched cohort (n = 100), patients with DFPP had a significantly lower level of triglyceride (P = .034), higher triglyceride reduction (P = .005), and the proportion of triglyceride <5.65 mmol/L (P = .002) by 24 hours after admission when compared with those without DFPP. However, this efficacy did not last until 48 hours after admission. No differences were found in terms of the majority of the clinical outcomes between the two groups, including persistent organ failure (P = .098), local complications (P = .213), hospital stay (P = .657), and in-hospital mortality (P > .999).

CONCLUSIONS

HTGP patients with early initiation of DFPP were associated with rapidly and efficiently reduction of triglyceride levels compared with those without DFPP. However, DFPP showed no beneficial effects on improving the clinical outcomes of HTGP.

Hypertriglyceridemia and acute pancreatitis

Hypertriglyceridemia is the third most common cause of acute pancreatitis. It typically occurs in patients with an underlying disorder of lipoprotein metabolism and in the presence of a secondary condition such as uncontrolled diabetes, alcohol abuse, or medication use. The presentation of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis is similar to that of acute pancreatitis due to other causes; however, patients with hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis are more likely to have severe disease courses and have a higher likelihood of persistent organ failure. The initial treatment of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis is also similar to acute pancreatitis from other causes and consists of aggressive fluid resuscitation, pain control, and nutritional support. Hypertriglyceridemia is specifically treated with apheresis or insulin therapy when necessary. The prompt recognition of hypertriglyceridemia in the setting of acute pancreatitis is essential in both the initial and long-term management of this disease and are essential to prevent recurrent acute pancreatitis. The review seeks to highlight the etiology, pathogenesis, and clinical course of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis.

An Uncommon Cause of Chest Pain: Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Pancreatitis

Chest pain is a common and high-risk chief complaint in the emergency department. There is an array of cardiac and non-cardiac-related conditions that could lead to this symptom. It is important for the clinician to have a broad perspective when treating patients complaining of chest pain so that dangerous and potentially life-threatening conditions are not overlooked. Here, we present one such cause of chest pain that can be detrimental if the clinician fails to correctly identify the underlying condition. A brief review of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis is provided, and challenges faced by the treatment team are discussed.

Elevated triglycerides on admission positively correlate with the severity of hypertriglyceridaemic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Hypertriglycaeridemia has been positively associated with the risk of acute pancreatitis, but whether increased triglyceride (TG) levels are related to the severity of pancreatitis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between hyperlipidaemia and disease severity of hypertriglycaeridemic pancreatitis.

METHODS

From 2016 to 2018, patients with hypertriglyceridaemic pancreatitis presented within 24 hours from symptom onset were retrospectively enrolled. The severity was classified by the Atlanta classification 2012. The demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were compared with respect to severity stratification and different TG categories, respectively. The relationships of admission TG levels and disease severity were assessed with Spearman's rank correlation test and Linear-by-Linear Association test.

RESULTS

Among 256 patients included, 125 (48.8%) were diagnosed with mild (MAP), 76 (29.7%) with moderate (MSAP) and 55 (21.5%) with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The mean TGs (standard derivation) on admission in patients with MAP, MSAP and SAP were 21.6 (15.2) mmol/L (1913 [1346] mg/dL), 34.6 (22.6) mmol/L (3065 [2002] mg/dL) and 41.5 (32.5) mmol/L (3676 [2879] mg/dL), respectively (P < .001). Patients were then categorised based on their TG levels. TG categories had a strong positive correlation with the disease severity (Rho = 0.34, P < .001). Positive trend for the association across increasing TG categories and SAP was observed (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated serum TG levels at the time of admission seem to correlate positively with the severity of hypertriglyceridaemia-induced acute pancreatitis.

Timely Reduction of Triglyceride Levels Is Associated With Decreased Persistent Organ Failure in Hypertriglyceridemic Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the reduction of serum triglycerides (TGs) and the severity of disease in patients with hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP).

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted among patients with HTGP. Serum TGs measured on admission (TG0), 24 hours after admission (TG24), and 48 hours after admission (TG48) were compared between patients with and without persistent organ failure (POF). Multivariable analysis determined whether elevated TG levels were independently associated with POF.

RESULTS

A total of 242 patients were included, of which 62 patients (25.6%) developed POF. Patients who developed POF had higher TG levels of TG0, TG24, and TG48 than those without POF (all P < 0.05). Patients with earlier TG levels of less than 5.65 mmol/L were proportionally less likely to develop POF (Ptrend = 0.002). On multivariate analysis, TG48 of 5.65 mmol/L or more was independently associated with POF (odds ratio, 3.316; 95% confidence interval, 1.256-8.755; P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

Timely reduction of serum TGs during the early phase of HTGP is proportionally associated with decreased development of POF. Serum TG levels by 48 hours of admission correlate independently with POF.

Continuous veno-venous hemofiltration for severe acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Severe acute pancreatitis is associated with high rates of mortality and life-threatening complications. Continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) has been used in some centers to reduce mortality and avoid local or systemic complications, however its efficiency and safety is uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of CVVH in patients suffering from severe acute pancreatitis; to compare the effects of different CVVH techniques; and to evaluate the optimal time for delivery of CVVH.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Library (2019, Issue 8), MEDLINE (1946 to 13 September 2019), Embase (1974 to 13 September 2019), and Science Citation Index Expanded (1982 to 13 September 2019).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared CVVH versus no CVVH in participants with severe acute pancreatitis. We also included RCTs that compared different types of CVVH and different schedules for CVVH in participants with severe acute pancreatitis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently identified the trials for inclusion, collected the data, and assessed the risk of bias. We performed the meta-analyses using Review Manager 5. We calculated the risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous outcomes, and the mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

MAIN RESULTS

We included two studies, involving a total of 94 participants, in the review.Continuous veno-venous hemofiltration versus no interventionWe included one study in which 64 participants with severe acute pancreatitis were randomized to undergo CVVH (32 participants) or no intervention (32 participants). There were no deaths in either group (very low-quality evidence). Adverse events, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), length of hospital stay, total hospital cost, and quality of life were not reported in the study.One type of continuous veno-venous hemofiltration versus a different type of continuous veno-venous hemofiltrationWe included one study in which 30 participants with severe acute pancreatitis were randomized to undergo high-volume CVVH (15 participants) or standard CVVH (15 participants). High-volume CVVH may lead to little or no difference in in-hospital mortality rates (20.0% in the high-volume CVVH group versus 33.3% in the standard CVVH group; risk ratio (RR) 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17 to 2.07; 30 participants; 1 study; low-quality evidence). We are uncertain whether high-volume hemofiltration reduces rates of adverse events (13.3% in both groups; RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.16 to 6.20; 30 participants; 1 study; very low-quality evidence). Length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, total hospital cost, and quality of life were not reported in the study.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The quality of the current evidence is very low or low. For both comparisons addressed in this review, data are sparse. It is unclear whether CVVH has any effect on mortality or complications in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. It is also unclear whether high-volume CVVH is superior, equivalent or inferior to standard CVVH in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.

Intensive insulin therapy versus plasmapheresis in the management of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (Bi-TPAI trial): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

It is widely agreed that triglyceride (TG)-lowering therapy is imperative in early hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP). Intravenous insulin with or without heparin, and plasmapheresis are available regimens. However, there is no consensus on first-line therapy.

METHODS/DESIGN

The Bi-TPAI trial is a multicenter, parallel group, randomized, controlled, non-inferiority trial in patients with early HTG-AP. The Bi-TPAI trial will include 220 patients with HTG-AP from 17 large tertiary hospitals in China. Patients assigned to the intensive insulin group will be administered an intravenous continuous infusion of regular human insulin at a rate of 0.1 units/kg·h and up to 0.3 units/kg·h. Patients allocated to the plasmapheresis group will receive standard-volume plasmapheresis. The primary endpoint is the time it takes for the TG level to reduce to 500 mg/dl. The secondary endpoints are ICU and hospital lengths of stay, 28-day mortality, severity of HTG-AP, incidence of hypoglycemia, HTG-AP complications, and cost-effectiveness.

DISCUSSION

The Bi-TPAI trial will prove that intensive insulin therapy is non-inferior to plasmapheresis. Intensive insulin therapy should be an effective, safe, available, and cheaper triglyceride-lowering therapy for hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03342807 . Registered on 5 Nov 2017.

Effect of High-Volume Hemofiltration in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Studies have been carried out to assess the efficacy of high-volume hemofiltration (HVHF) among critically ill patients. However, it is currently unclear whether HVHF is really valuable in critically ill patients.

Material/Methods

Randomized controlled trials evaluating HVHF for critically ill adult patients were included in this analysis. Three databases were searched up to July 27, 2018. The relative risk (RR), mean difference (MD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined.

Results

Twenty-one randomized controlled trials were included in this analysis. Overall, HVHF was associated with lower mortality compared with control measures (RR=0.88, 95% CI=0.81 to 0.96, P=0.004) in critically ill patients. Sub-analysis revealed HVHF reduced mortality in sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome patients, but no similar effect in other diseases. HVHF decreased levels of plasma tumor necrosis factor and interleukin 6. The heart rate of the HVHF group after treatment was slower than the control group, while we found higher mean arterial pressure in the HVHF group, but oxygenation index was not significantly different between the two groups. HVHF had no remarkable influence on acute physiological and chronic health evaluation score (APACHE II score) compared with the control group.

Conclusions

HVHF might be superior to conventional therapy in critically ill patients.

Therapeutic plasma exchange for hypertriglyceridemia induced acut pancreatitis: the 33 cases experience from a tertiary reference center in Turkey

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is the third most common cause of acute pancreatitis. In patients with severe HTG (TG level>1000 mg/dL), it may be beneficial to immediately lower the levels of triglyceride (TG) and chylomicrons. In this study, we present one of the largest case series on the use of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) for hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Overall, 33 patients who were admitted to our clinic for HTG-AP and underwent TPE between January 2007 and July 2017 were included in the study. Clinical data and outcomes and the reduction of triglyceride levels were examined retrospectively.

RESULTS

The TG level decreased by 54.4%, and the total cholesterol level decreased by 52.1% after one TPE session. The TG decrease after the second TPE session was found to be 79.4%. There were 20 (60.6%) patients with mild acute pancreatitis, 10 (30.3%) patients with moderetaly severe acute pancreatitis, and 3 (9.1%) patients with severe acute pancreatitis based on the categorization according to the revised Atlanta criteria. Regarding local complications, the acute peripancreatic fluid collection was observed in 13 (39.4%) patients, acute necrotic collection was observed in 1 (3%) patient, walled-off necrosis was observed in 1 (3%) patient, and pancreatic pseudocyst was not observed in any patient. Mortality was not determined in patients with mild and moderately severe acute pancreatitis, and its rate was 33.3% in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. The overall mortality rate was 3%. No significant complications related to TPE were noted.

CONCLUSION

TPE is a safe and helpful therapeutic treatment method for patients with HTG-AP and may be considered particularly in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.

Continuous intravenous infusion of insulin and heparin vs plasma exchange in hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

Acute triglyceride-lowering therapy is crucial in the early treatment of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of continuous i.v. infusion of insulin and heparin therapy (IHT) and plasma exchange to lower triglyceride levels in the acute phase of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary teaching hospital. Patients with hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis were consecutively enrolled from 2012 to 2017. Serum triglyceride levels and clinical data during hospitalization were collected. The primary outcome was the rapid reduction of triglyceride levels.

RESULTS

Of the 62 patients enrolled, 34 (54.8%) were treated with IHT and the others with plasma exchange. A reduced triglyceride level of (66.9 ± 21.5)% after the first plasma exchange session and that of (75.0 ± 14.6)% after the first day of IHT were observed. There were no significant differences in the reduction of triglyceride (F = 0.334), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (F = 0.127) and the acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II score (F = 2.589) between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The medical cost during hospitalization was significantly lower in the IHT group than in the plasma exchange group (RMB [59 512.4 ± 23 645.1] vs RMB [89 461.9 ± 48 324.0], P < 0.05). Adverse effects were observed in six patients in the plasma exchange group but none in the IHT group.

CONCLUSION

As a minimally invasive and economical strategy, IHT is effective and non-inferior to plasma exchange in achieving a rapid reduction of triglyceride levels.

A systematic review of the epidemiology, pathophysiology and current management of hyperlipidaemic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The aims of this systematic review were to define the epidemiology and pathophysiology of hyperlipidaemic pancreatitis, establish its association with clinical outcome and define management strategies.

METHODS

The Cochrane, Embase and Medline databases were searched, limited to the last decade, for articles on hyperlipidaemic pancreatitis. All randomised controlled trials, observational studies and case series (with a minimum of 10 patients) on hyperlipidaemic pancreatitis were included.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies with 1979 patients were included. The median admission triglyceride concentration was 42.8 mmol/L (range 13.6-108.6 mmol/L) [3785 mg/dL (range 1205-9612 mg/dL)]. Severe hypertriglyceridaemia (>1000 mg/dL, 11.0 mmol/L) was present in 1.7% of the adult population, and about 15-20% of these developed hyperlipidaemic acute pancreatitis. Medical management of severe hyperlipidaemia at onset of acute pancreatitis has not been investigated fully. However, tight regulation of triglyceride concentration after presentation with acute pancreatitis was found to reduce the risk of recurrence. Plasmapheresis reduced concentrations of triglycerides by up to 85%, but this did not impact morbidity or mortality. All studies included defined hyperlipidaemia as a more severe form of pancreatitis.

CONCLUSION

The available evidence suggests an increasing risk of acute pancreatitis in patients with hyperlipidaemia and a more severe form of pancreatitis. There is some evidence to suggest biochemical benefit of using novel techniques like plasmapheresis without the desired physiological benefit. However, there is a need for an international consensus on the management of hyperlipidaemic pancreatitis. More rigorous and methodologically robust studies are required to inform such consensus guidelines.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis and the Domino Effect

Patient: Male, 27

Final Diagnosis: Hypertriglyceridemia associated acute pancreatitis secondary to diabetic ketoacidosis

Symptoms: Abdominal pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Endocrinology and Metabolism

Hypertriglyceridemic Pancreatitis Treated with Insulin Therapy: A Comparative Review of 34 Cases

Although the clinical presentation of hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis is usually similar to other forms of acute pancreatitis, it is frequently associated with increased clinical severity and rate of complications. Therefore, appropriate and timely management is of paramount importance in these patients. We performed a structured literature search of the medical databases PubMed and Google Scholar, using the terms “hypertriglyceridemia,” “acute pancreatitis,” “insulin,” and “treatment.” In this search, we identified 34 cases of hypertriglyceridemia-related pancreatitis available in the full-text form in English. The data on patients’ characteristics, epidemiology, clinical features, comorbid conditions, and diagnostic modalities were collected and summarized. This review illustrates that the use of insulin therapy with close monitoring of blood glucose levels is safe. It can be considered as an important component of management in patients with hypertriglyceridemia-related pancreatitis, especially in a clinical setting without the availability of plasmapheresis. Randomized clinical trials are warranted to outline a generalized and efficient treatment regimen for hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis.

Management of Hypertriglyceridemia Induced Acute Pancreatitis

Hypertriglyceridemia is an uncommon but a well-established etiology of acute pancreatitis leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The risk and severity of acute pancreatitis increase with increasing levels of serum triglycerides. It is crucial to identify hypertriglyceridemia as the cause of pancreatitis and initiate appropriate treatment plan. Initial supportive treatment is similar to management of other causes of acute pancreatitis with additional specific therapies tailored to lower serum triglycerides levels. This includes plasmapheresis, insulin, heparin infusion, and hemofiltration. After the acute episode, diet and lifestyle modifications along with hypolipidemic drugs should be initiated to prevent further episodes. Currently, there is paucity of studies directly comparing different modalities. This article provides a comprehensive review of management of hypertriglyceridemia induced acute pancreatitis. We conclude by summarizing our treatment approach to manage hypertriglyceridemia induced acute pancreatitis.

Hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis: updated review of current treatment and preventive strategies

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is an uncommon but well-established cause of acute pancreatitis (AP) comprising up to 7% of the cases. The clinical course of HTG-induced pancreatitis (HTGP) is highly similar to that of AP of other etiologies with HTG being the only distinguishing clinical feature. However, HTGP is often correlated with higher severity and elevated complication rate. At present, no approved treatment guideline for the management of HTGP is available, although different treatment modalities such as insulin, heparin, fibric acids, and omega 3 fatty acids have been successfully implemented to reduce serum triglycerides (TG). Plasmapheresis has also been used to counteract elevated TG levels in HTGP patients. However, it has been associated with complications. Following the management of acute phase, lifestyle modifications including dietary adjustments and drug therapy are essential in the long-term management of HTGP and the prevention of its relapse. Results from studies of small patient groups describing treatment and prevention of HTGP are not sufficient to draw solid conclusions resulting in no treatment algorithm being available for effective management of HTGP. Therefore, prospective randomized, active-controlled clinical studies are required to find a better treatment regimen for the management of HTGP. Until date, one randomized clinical trial has been performed to compare clinical outcomes of different treatment approaches for HTGP. However, further studies are required to outline a generalized and efficient treatment regimen for the management of HTGP.