Clinical characteristics and treatment of severe hyperlipidemic pancreatitis

Abstract

Objective To summarize clinical characteristics and experiences in treatment of severe hyperlipidemic pancreatitis (SHLP). Methods A retrospective analysis for 22 cases of SHLP and 91 cases of severe acute biliary pancreatitis (SABP) hospitalized during January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2006 was carried out to compare their clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes. Results Activities of serum and urine amylase in SHLP patients at admission were (715 ± 99) and (382 ± 56) U/L, respectively, significantly lower than those in SABP patients (1551 ± 107) and (773 ± 66) U/L, respectively (P < 0.01). About 55% (12/22) of SHLP patients had pulmonary infection, 36% (8/22) with circulatory failure, 41% (9/22) with respiratory failure and 23 % (5/22) with renal failure, all significantly higher than those in SABP patients SABP [32% (29/91), 14% (13/91), 7% (6/91) and 5% (5/91), respectively, P < 0.01]. Two died of SHLP and 11 of SABP, respectively. Conclusions In diagnosis of SHLP, it should be noticed that no remarkable elevation of activities in serum and urine amylase usually, so during the course of treatment for SHLP, it is important to prevent and treat multi-organ failure, respiratory failure and renal failure in an active way. Key words: Pancreatitis; Hypertriglyceridemia; Disease attributes; Treatment outcome