Subject: Re: hyperlipidemia & pregancy
Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum

Topic Area:

Topic Area: Pancreas
I am 29 yrs. old and was recently diagnosed with familial combined hyperlipidemia. Over the past couple of months, I have been able to drastically reduce my triglycerides from 2500 to 300. I am looking for information regarding high triglycerides and pregancy, recognizing that triglycerides generally increase during pregancy (usualy the third trimester). I would also like information regarding the likelihood of pancreatitis during pregancy, as well as the treatment and risks associated with it. Are there any medications that are safe during pregnancy? My doctor has recommended plasmaphoresis in the event that my triglycerides increase to dangerous levels. What are your comments?

Dear Julie,

Both elevated trigylceride levels ( only if greater than 1000) and pregnancy (either due to the presence of gallstones or secondary to the condition itself) put you at increased risk for the development of acute pancreatitis. You may benefit from an evaluation by a physician who specifically specializes in the treatment of lipid disorders. Acute pancreatitis can present in a mild form or can be fulminant and necrotizing. It is impossible to predict what form a patient will develop prior to clinical presentation. No drugs have been shown to improve the course of acute pancreatitis. Treatment is usually supportive with special attention given to analgesia, maintenance of normal plasma volume (fluids to prevent dehydration), frequent monitoring of vital signs and identifying and treating possible disease complications. Most physicians will prescribe bowel rest (nothing to eat or drink by mouth) and if the patient is vomiting the placement of a nasogastric tube. Diet is slowly advanced as tolerated. It may be necessary to perform serial CT scans or ultrasounds to rule out a pancreatic pseudocyst (fluid collection) that develp in or near the pancreas within 4 weeks after an acute episode. Surgery is reserved for patients with the complications of acute pancreatitis such as large, symptomatic pseudocysts, infected fluid collections or pancreatic abscesses. Perforation and hemorrhage (bleeding) are also indications for surgery. The best way to prevent an attack of acute pancreatitis is to identify and treat the underlying cause. I hope you find this information helpful.

This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.

If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.

HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: pancreatitis, pregnancy, hyperlipidemia

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