Key result
Plasmapheresis reduces refractory triglycerides by ~61% before delivery in severe gestational hypertriglyceridemia.
Why the study?
Severe hypertriglyceridemia during pregnancy is a rare, serious condition linked to maternal and fetal complications, posing substantial management challenges.
Does a stepwise approach including diet, intravenous insulin, and plasmapheresis reduce triglyceride levels in severe gestational hypertriglyceridemia?
Case Report (n=1)
Does a stepwise approach including diet, intravenous insulin, and plasmapheresis reduce triglyceride levels in severe gestational hypertriglyceridemia?
Severe hypertriglyceridemia in pregnancy can be effectively managed with a stepwise multidisciplinary approach including diet, intravenous insulin, and plasmapheresis to reduce triglyceride levels and prevent acute pancreatitis.
May inform management of refractory severe gestational HTG; leaves open need for prospective data on optimal therapies and outcomes.
Severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) during pregnancy is a rare but serious condition associated with an increased risk of maternal and fetal complications. We report the case of a 36-year-old woman diagnosed with severe HTG at 28 weeks of gestation, with triglyceride (TG) levels of 2184 mg/dL (SI: 24.68 mmol/L) (reference range, 26.50-150 mg/dL [SI: 0.30-1.69 mmol/L]). Despite dietary intervention and ω-3 supplementation, levels continued to rise, requiring hospitalization and treatment with intravenous insulin. Due to refractory HTG, plasmapheresis was initiated at 33 weeks, with significant lipid reduction. At 34 weeks, the patient underwent an emergency cesarean delivery due to preterm labor. This case underscores the challenges of managing severe HTG in pregnancy and highlights the importance of early, multidisciplinary intervention. Further research is needed to refine treatment strategies and establish standardized guidelines for this high-risk population.
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Raventos et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Severe Hypertriglyceridemia in Pregnancy (n=1). Plasmapheresis and intravenous insulin was evaluated on Triglyceride levels. In a pregnant woman with severe refractory hypertriglyceridemia, plasmapheresis successfully reduced triglyceride levels from 2229 mg/dL to 861 mg/dL prior to delivery.
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