Double filtration plasmapheresis in treatment of acute pancreatitis associated with severe hypertriglyceridemia

RATIONALE: Severe hypertriglyceridemia is the 3rd-leading cause of acute pancreatitis. Current treatment option for hypertriglyceridemia associated with acute pancreatitis is mainly supportive measures, including adequate fluid supply, pain management, and broad-spectrum antibiotics if necessary. Extracorporeal method by mean of plasmapheresis is effective in reducing serum level of triglyceride. It has been proposed to have therapeutic potential in limited small sample studies. PATIENT CONCERNS: A retrospective review of therapeutic effect of double filtration plasmapheresis in treating hypertriglyceridemia associated with acute pancreatitis was conducted by enlisting 3 patients who meet the criteria for the present study. DIAGNOSES: Three patients met the criteria for hypertriglyceridemia (serum level >800 mg/dL) associated with acute pancreatitis (either with elevated serum level of lipase and/or amylase and/or with computed tomography evidence of acute pancreatitis). INTERVENTIONS: Patients received double filtration plasmapheresis. OUTCOMES: We found that an effective reduction of triglyceride was achieved on an average of 84.7% as a result of a single session of plasmapheresis. All 3 of our patients survived, but needed extended hospitalization. LESSONS: A substantial clinical trial is required to further assess the effectiveness of plasmapheresis in managing of acute pancreatitis in the setting of hypertriglyceridemia.