Cyclosporin-induced hypertriglyceridemia with prompt response to plasma exchange therapy

A case of severe cyclosporin-induced hypertriglyceridemia that prompted plasma exchange therapy is reported. Hyperlipemic retinitis, headache, stupor, and peripheral paresthesias became apparent when the level of triglycerides exceeded the 1,500 mg/dL level. Two plasma exchanges were required to halt disease progression. This is the second time that plasma exchange was used in a bone marrow transplanted patient on cyclosporin-A therapy. In both cases hypertriglyceridemia became apparent and symptomatic after approximately 7 months of therapy with cyclosporin.