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Vildagliptin-induced acute pancreatitis.
Christian M Girgis1, Bernard L Champion
1Department of Medicine, Nepean Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
Summary
This case study reports acute pancreatitis in a patient treated with vildagliptin, a dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitor for type 2 diabetes. Vildagliptin was suspected as the cause, and pancreatitis resolved after drug cessation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a growing global health concern.
- Incretin-based therapies, including dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, are widely used for glycemic control.
- Emerging evidence suggests a potential link between incretin-based drugs and acute pancreatitis.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes developed severe abdominal pain five weeks after starting vildagliptin.
- Clinical examination revealed acute pancreatitis with significantly elevated pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase).
- Abdominal CT confirmed diffuse pancreatic swelling, cyst formation, and necrosis.
Findings:
- Vildagliptin was identified as a potential trigger for acute pancreatitis in this patient.
- The patient's symptoms resolved after vildagliptin treatment was discontinued.
- This case represents the first reported instance of acute pancreatitis associated with vildagliptin use.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential rare adverse effect of vildagliptin, a dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 inhibitor.
- It supports the need for continued vigilance regarding acute pancreatitis risk with incretin-based therapies.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the relationship between vildagliptin and pancreatitis.
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