Study on Severe Hypertriglyceridemia and Pancreatitis
Author Information
Author(s): Supna Sandhu, Ahmad Al-Sarraf, Catalin Taraboanta, Jiri Frohlich, Gordon A Francis
Primary Institution: University of British Columbia
Hypothesis
What is the incidence of pancreatitis and secondary causes in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia referred to a specialty lipid clinic?
Conclusion
Hypertriglyceridemia is unlikely to cause acute pancreatitis unless triglyceride levels exceed 20 mM, with dysglycemia, a high carbohydrate and fat diet, and obesity being the main secondary causes.
Supporting Evidence
- 15.8% of patients with TG > 20 mM had a history of pancreatitis.
- Dysglycemia was present in 53% of patients by 2009.
- 84% of patients were on fibrate therapy after initial assessment.
Takeaway
This study found that very high triglyceride levels can lead to pancreatitis, but only if they are above a certain point, and that many patients have other health issues like diabetes.
Methodology
A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with triglyceride levels greater than 20 mM referred to a lipid clinic between 1986 and 2007.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in treatment approaches between referring physicians and lipid specialists.
Limitations
The study is limited by its retrospective design and the reliance on available medical records.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 54.2 years, 73.7% male, 78.9% Caucasian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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