Authors' recommendations: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is defined by high plasma levels of triglycerides (generally > 1000 milligram/deciliter [mg/dL]). Risk of HTG complications increases when triglyceride levels are in this range, e.g., chronic abdominal pain, hepatosplenomegaly, eruptive xanthomas, lipemia retinalis, peripheral neuropathy, memory loss/dementia, dyspnea, and acute pancreatitis. HTG-induced pancreatitis accounts for 1% to 4% of acute pancreatitis cases. Standard therapeutic management for acute HTG-induced pancreatitis includes dietary restriction, lipid-lowering agents, intravenous fluids, analgesia, organ support, low-molecular-weight heparin, and insulin in diabetic patients. Additional treatments may include total parenteral nutrition, complete avoidance of oral intake, and moderate caloric restriction. When standard therapies fail to achieve favorable clinical and metabolic outcomes, selected patients with HTG-induced pancreatitis may be referred for plasmapheresis, or plasma exchange (PE). The objective of plasmapheresis is to remove harmful substances from the blood. In HTG-induced pancreatitis, plasmapheresis is applied to remove serum lipids, primarily triglycerides.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: The report may be purchased from:http://www.hayesinc.com/hayes/crd/?crd=14554

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: HAYES, Inc.

Contact Address: 157 S. Broad Street, Suite 200, Lansdale, PA 19446, USA. Tel: 215 855 0615; Fax: 215 855 5218

Contact Name: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Contact Email: saleinfo@hayesinc.com

Copyright: 2012 Winifred S. Hayes, Inc