An unusual case of (pseudo)hypertriglyceridaemia

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Clinical Medicine
• Nephrology

Background:

• Elevated plasma glycerol concentrations interfere with triglyceride measurements, potentially causing pseudohypertriglyceridaemia.
• Hyperglycerolaemia can result from exogenous glycerol intake or endogenous glycerol accumulation.

Observation:

• A 57-year-old male patient with end-stage renal disease presented with pseudohypertriglyceridaemia.
• The patient exhibited pronounced hyperglycerolaemia.

Findings:

• The patient's hyperglycerolaemia stemmed from chronic consumption of glycerol-containing alcoholic beverages.
• Reduced glycerol clearance and glycerol kinase activity contributed to the condition.

Implications:

• Unexplained hypertriglyceridaemia in patients with impaired renal function warrants investigation for hyperglycerolaemia.
• This case underscores the importance of considering glycerol's role in triglyceride testing inaccuracies.
• Awareness of exogenous and endogenous glycerol sources is crucial for accurate diagnosis.