[Plasmapheresis in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia]

Plasmapheresis in Hypertriglyceride-induced Pancreatitis: A Series of Four Cases

Hypertriglyceride-induced Acute Pancreatitis is a devasting condition. The rapid reduction of serum triglyceride is a key factor in its management. Beside the reduction in Triglyceride level plasmapheresis has other added advantage. Early initiation of plasmapheresis within 48 hrs has a better outcome. Plasmapheresis should be performed until triglyceride levels have been lowered to 500mg/dl. Here, we present a series of four cases of hypertriglyceride induced pancreatitis who underwent plasmapheresis. All the patients were diabetics. All cases showed the rapid reduction of triglyceride levels after plasmapheresis. Three patients were discharge from hospital, where as one patient died due to Sepsis. Out of four patients only one required Renal Replacement therapy.

Early plasmapheresis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia induced acute pancreatitis

Hypertriglyceridemia can cause severe diseases such as acute pancreatitis (AP) and coronary artery disease. The routine management of hypertriglyceridemia is dietary restriction of fat and lipid-lowering medications to manage the secondary or precipitating causes of hypertriglyceridemia. However, in cases of AP with severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG) (triglycerides [TG] >1000 mg/dl) rapid reduction of TG levels to well below 1000 mg/dl can improve outcome and prevent further episodes of pancreatitis. Plasmapheresis is a therapeutic option in such medical emergencies. We discussed 2 cases of severe AP with SHTG where we used early plsmapheresis along with other supportive management.

Early plasmapheresis in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia induced acute pancreatitis

Hypertriglyceridemia can cause severe diseases such as acute pancreatitis (AP) and coronary artery disease. The routine management of hypertriglyceridemia is dietary restriction of fat and lipid-lowering medications to manage the secondary or precipitating causes of hypertriglyceridemia. However, in cases of AP with severe hypertriglyceridemia (SHTG) (triglycerides [TG] >1000 mg/dl) rapid reduction of TG levels to well below 1000 mg/dl can improve outcome and prevent further episodes of pancreatitis. Plasmapheresis is a therapeutic option in such medical emergencies. We discussed 2 cases of severe AP with SHTG where we used early plsmapheresis along with other supportive management.