Hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis

Hypertriglyceridemia is a well established cause of acute pancreatitis and accounts for up to 10% of all acute pancreatitis cases and even up to 50% of all acute pancreatitis cases in pregnancy. Hydrolysis of triglycerides by pancreatic lipase and excessive formation of free fatty acids with inflammatory changes, capillary injury and hyperviscosity are postulated to account for the development of hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis (HTGP). The clinical features of those patients are generally no different from patients with acute pancreatitis of other etiologies. HTGP, however, seems to be associated with a higher severity and complication rate. There is no clear evidence as to which hypertriglyceridemia patients will develop acute pancreatitis and which will not. Insulin, heparin, plasmapheresis and different antihyperlipidemic agents, as well as dietary modifications, are key features in the management of HTGP.