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A newborn with lipemia rednalis.
Murat Ozdemir1, Ali Bay, Tekin Yasar
1Department of Ophthalmology, Sutcuimam University, School of Medicine, Kahramanmaras, Turkey.
Summary
Lipemia retinalis, a rare sign of high blood lipids, appeared as creamy white retinal vessels in a newborn. This case highlights severe hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia, diagnosed as Type IV primary hyperlipoproteinemia.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Clinical Genetics
Background:
- Lipemia retinalis is an uncommon ocular finding linked to severe hyperlipidemia.
- Early identification is crucial for managing potential complications in newborns.
Observation:
- A neonate presented with a distinctive creamy white appearance of all retinal blood vessels.
- Color fundus photography documented the characteristic visual changes.
Findings:
- Laboratory results revealed extremely elevated triglyceride (29,000 mg/dL) and cholesterol (1,470 mg/dL) levels.
- Lipid electrophoresis indicated hyperprebetalipoproteinemia, consistent with Type IV primary hyperlipoproteinemia.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of recognizing lipemia retinalis as a marker for severe neonatal hyperlipidemia.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are essential to prevent long-term metabolic and cardiovascular sequelae.