Plasmapheresis in Hypertriglyceride-induced Pancreatitis: A Series of Four Cases

Hypertriglyceride-induced Acute Pancreatitis is a devasting condition. The rapid reduction of serum triglyceride is a key factor in its management. Beside the reduction in Triglyceride level plasmapheresis has other added advantage. Early initiation of plasmapheresis within 48 hrs has a better outcome. Plasmapheresis should be performed until triglyceride levels have been lowered to 500mg/dl. Here, we present a series of four cases of hypertriglyceride induced pancreatitis who underwent plasmapheresis. All the patients were diabetics. All cases showed the rapid reduction of triglyceride levels after plasmapheresis. Three patients were discharge from hospital, where as one patient died due to Sepsis. Out of four patients only one required Renal Replacement therapy.