Abstract

MASSON, W et al. Treatment with Insulin and Heparin in Severe Hypertriglyceridemia. Rev. argent. endocrinol. metab. [online]. 2012, vol.49, n.4. ISSN 1851-3034.

Severe hypertriglyceridemia is associated with acute pancreatitis and it is usually caused by a genetic or acquired deficiency in the activity of lipoprotein lipase (LPL). The usual treatment in outpatients is based on healthy eating, exercise, weight control, omega-3 supplements and drugs such as fibrates and niacin. In situations of severe hypertriglyceridemia, whether or not associated with pancreatitis, treatment with insulin and/or heparin is recommended to rapidly decrease triglyceride levels by increasing LPL activity, in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. We report the case of a young, obese smoker woman with no prior history of dyslipidemia, who had severe hypertriglyceridemia (12214 mg/dL) detected in a control test in the context of new onset diabetes. During hospitalization, intravenous insulin, sodium heparin and gemfibrozil were administered, with a rapid decrease in triglyceride levels and good progress with no development of pancreatitis. No financial conflicts of interest exist.

Keywords : Hypertriglyceridemia; Diabetes; Heparin; Insulin.

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