Hypertriglyceridemia - Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To describe the prompt and successful treatment of an hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute prancreatitis in pregnancy complicated by severe preeclampsia case in a tertiary-level hospital in Indonesia. Methods: A Case report. A 33-year-old woman, G3P2A0 at 32/33 weeks of gestation, presented with shortness of breath following severe heartburn, nausea, and fever. She had been experiencing constant thirst and frequent urination. Her level of consciousness was decreased (GCS E2V3M4), and she exhibited high blood pressure and tachycardia. There was no history of high blood pressure during her routine antenatal care. Laboratory tests revealed a leukocyte count of 22,670/μL, a random blood sugar level of 713 mg/dL, severe metabolic acidosis on blood gas analysis, an amylase level of 1,004.8 U/L, a lipase level of 899.4 U/L, and triglycerides at 789 mg/dL. An abdominal CT scan with contrast confi rmed acute pancreatitis. Given her poor general condition, she was sedated and intubated. The termination of her pregnancy was postponed to focus on stabilizing her condition in intensive care. Discussion: In pregnant patients presenting with severe heartburn and no prior history of hypertension, acute pancreatitis should be considered as a potential diagnosis. In the absence of alcohol abuse risk factors, hypertriglyceridemia should be investigated as a probable cause. Conclusion: Pregnant patients presenting with symptoms of shortness of breath, severe heartburn, along with hypertriglyceridemia should be considered for acute pancreatitis as a differential diagnosis.