EXPERIENCE OF SEVERE HYPERTRIGLYCERIDEMIA MANAGEMENT IN A TERTIARY CENTRE

A CASE SERIES

Abstract

CASE
Severe hypertriglyceridemia is defined by levels typically >10 mmol/L. It is often caused by uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, obesity, metabolic syndrome, chronic liver disease, excessive alcohol consumption, and genetic disorders. It is a risk factor for coronary artery disease and acute pancreatitis. We report successful inpatient reduction of severe hypertriglyceridemia in five individuals with intravenous insulin infusion, lipid-lowering oral agents and restriction of dietary carbohydrate and fat intake. More than half of them had underlying diabetes mellitus and triglyceride levels >30 mmol/L on admission. Insulin treatment was given for at least seven days. A lower rate of 0.05 unit/kg per hour insulin infusion and dextrose infusion was initiated for the patient without diabetes. None of them had severe hypoglycemia reported during their stay. They were discharged with triglyceride levels less than 10 mmol/L and subsequently followed up in our centre.