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Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation
06:47

Isolation and Analysis of Plasma Lipoproteins by Ultracentrifugation

Published on: January 28, 2021

Selective whole blood lipoprotein apheresis to prevent pancreatitis in drug refractory hypertriglyceridemia

Anders Hovland1, Randolf Hardersen, Tom Eirik Mollnes

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Nordland Hospital, Bodø, Norway. anders.w.hovland@gmail.com

JOP : Journal of the Pancreas
|September 7, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Lipoprotein apheresis effectively reduced triglyceride levels and prevented recurrent acute pancreatitis in a patient with severe hypertriglyceridemia. This treatment shows promise for managing drug-refractory cases.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Severe hypertriglyceridemia is a significant risk factor for acute pancreatitis.
  • Apheresis, particularly plasmapheresis, is an established treatment for drug-refractory hypertriglyceridemia.

Observation:

  • A patient with Crohn's disease and type 2 diabetes experienced recurrent pancreatitis due to extreme hypertriglyceridemia.
  • Lipoprotein apheresis was initiated for treatment.

Findings:

  • Lipoprotein apheresis markedly reduced triglyceride and lipoprotein levels.
  • The patient experienced no further episodes of pancreatitis after treatment initiation.
  • The procedure demonstrated good biocompatibility, with minimal cytokine level changes.

Implications:

  • Selective lipoprotein apheresis is a feasible treatment option for severe, drug-refractory hypertriglyceridemia.
  • Further studies are warranted to validate this therapeutic approach.
Abstract

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