Treatment Options for Hypertriglyceridemia Pancreatitis
Location
D.P. Culp Center Ballroom
Start Date
4-5-2024 9:00 AM
End Date
4-5-2024 11:30 AM
Poster Number
94
Name of Project's Faculty Sponsor
Erin Hood
Faculty Sponsor's Department
Internal Medicine
Competition Type
Competitive
Type
Poster Presentation
Presentation Category
Health
Abstract or Artist's Statement
Hypertriglyceridemia pancreatitis is a complex etiology causing severe morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiologic process involves buildup of excess triglycerides and fatty acids in the vascular beds of the pancreas causing inflammation and ischemia to the surrounding tissues. This can result from primary genetic predisposition or secondary lifestyle effects such as diabetes, chronic alcohol use, or certain medications. A case of a 45-year-old female with past medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia pancreatitis, and type 2 diabetes mellitus presented to the emergency department with concerns for persistent acute abdominal pain for the past 24 hours. She denied any fever or chills but had not been able to eat since the symptoms began. Upon workup, labs displayed severely elevated amylase, lipase, and triglycerides. CT with contrast showed diffuse fatty replacement in the enlarged liver and edematous changes surrounding the pancreas highly suspicious for pancreatitis. Patient received aggressive intravenous fluids, insulin, analgesics, bowel rest and admission to the intensive care unit floor. Over the course of 48 hours, the patient improved on insulin drip, was transferred to oral medications, and discharged within a few days. This case illustrates a rare condition that causes life threatening complications if not treated. This study will review the successful treatment options utilized for this patient as well as other acute and long-term treatment options to adequately control this unique condition.
Treatment Options for Hypertriglyceridemia Pancreatitis
D.P. Culp Center Ballroom
Hypertriglyceridemia pancreatitis is a complex etiology causing severe morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiologic process involves buildup of excess triglycerides and fatty acids in the vascular beds of the pancreas causing inflammation and ischemia to the surrounding tissues. This can result from primary genetic predisposition or secondary lifestyle effects such as diabetes, chronic alcohol use, or certain medications. A case of a 45-year-old female with past medical history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia pancreatitis, and type 2 diabetes mellitus presented to the emergency department with concerns for persistent acute abdominal pain for the past 24 hours. She denied any fever or chills but had not been able to eat since the symptoms began. Upon workup, labs displayed severely elevated amylase, lipase, and triglycerides. CT with contrast showed diffuse fatty replacement in the enlarged liver and edematous changes surrounding the pancreas highly suspicious for pancreatitis. Patient received aggressive intravenous fluids, insulin, analgesics, bowel rest and admission to the intensive care unit floor. Over the course of 48 hours, the patient improved on insulin drip, was transferred to oral medications, and discharged within a few days. This case illustrates a rare condition that causes life threatening complications if not treated. This study will review the successful treatment options utilized for this patient as well as other acute and long-term treatment options to adequately control this unique condition.