Post-partum hypertriglyceridemia induced acute pancreatitis

Abstract

Gestational hypertriglyceridemia is well established but is considered an unusual cause of acute pancreatitis with a relatively low incidence. We hereby report a notable triad of hypertriglyceridemia, diabetic ketoacidosis and acute pancreatitis in a woman with 2 months of post-partum status delivered at a private hospital with known case of gestational diabetes mellitus. Presenting with acute abdomen with a surprise on table. Salmon pink coloured blood withdrawn in the vacutainer, turning lactescent post centrifugation. Her serum triglycerides level were 1750 mg/dl, random blood sugar of 870 mg/dl and total cholesterol of 978 mg/dl. Computerized tomography of abdomen was confirmatory of acute pancreatitis. Patient was treated aggressively with intravenous (IV) fluid resuscitation and IV insulin therapy as per diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) management protocol. She recovered well and was discharged on day 4.