Treating Hypertriglyceridemia-Induced Pancreatitis With Intravenous Insulin and Plasmapheresis

Abstract

Hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP) is well-known but it is extremely rare, especially in younger patients. The main treatment modalities for HTGP are apheresis and intravenous insulin. However, apheresis in severe HTGP is not well established and the efficacy of the treatment is lacking. Herein, we discuss a case of a 17-year-old female patient with no significant past medical history who initially presented to the emergency department with severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and was intubated due to severe metabolic acidosis and impending respiratory failure on arrival. Further investigation showed evidence of HTGP. Initially, her condition did not improve with intravenous insulin. However, a course of apheresis along with supportive care improved her condition drastically. Hence, this is a case report which showed the efficacy of concomitant use of insulin infusion and plasmapheresis in regard to treating HTGP. Outcomes of HTGP based on different treatment modalities are discussed in this literature as well. However, to date, there are no randomized studies to draw a solid treatment algorithm, thus further research on the most efficient treatment regimes is required for the management of HTGP.