Extracorporeal lipid elimination for treatment of gestational hyperlipidemic pancreatitis

Gastroenterology. 1993 May;104(5):1527-31. doi: 10.1016/0016-5085(93)90366-k.

Abstract

Gestational hyperlipidemia complicated by pancreatitis during the 24th week of gestation has been successfully managed by long-term extracorporeal elimination of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Three modes of treatment (plasma exchange, immunospecific apheresis, and a combination of both treatments) were compared for efficacy as therapy for metabolic derangements, altered blood rheology, and the loss of immunoglobulins. Treatments were performed by means of a peripheral venovenous approach. A combination plasma exchange/apheresis technique was highly effective; the loss of immunoglobulins remained acceptable. Clinical symptoms of pancreatitis subsided within 24 hours of the first treatment. A relapse during the 32nd week of gestation necessitated treatments more frequently than once a week. At the 36th week of gestation, after confirming lung maturity as indicated by a lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio of > 2.0, a cesarean section was performed. A healthy boy was delivered (2470 g; Apgar score, 9/10). This is the first report to show that long-term extracorporeal elimination of lipoproteins is a highly effective treatment of hyperlipidemic gestational pancreatitis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Component Removal*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipidemias / complications*
  • Lipoproteins / blood
  • Pancreatitis / blood
  • Pancreatitis / therapy*
  • Plasma Exchange*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*

Substances

  • Lipoproteins