Plasma exchange in severe hypertriglyceridemia a clinical study.
BACKGROUND
Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia are independent risk factors for atherosclerotic heart diseases. Moreover acute pancreatitis may occur in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of plasma exchange (PE) in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia.


METHODS
Seven patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (a triglyceride level of more than 1000mg/dl) were treated with PE. After PE, lipid and hematological parameters and side effects were evaluated.


RESULTS
Triglyceride levels decreased below 1000mg/dl in all patients. The levels of triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05 for both), and total cholesterol (p<0.005) decreased significantly. PE was well-tolerated. Liver and renal functions, hematological parameters, except for an increase in white blood cell counts, did not change significantly.


CONCLUSIONS
PE may be used safely and effectively in severe hyperlipidemic patients at risk of acute coronary events and acute pancreatitis. Further extended studies may provide more detailed information.
Kadikoylu
Gurhan
G
Adnan Menderes University Medical Faculty, Division of Hematology, Tip Fakultesi, Ic Hastaliklari AD, Aydin, Turkey. gurhan@medscape.com
Yavasoglu
Irfan
I
Bolaman
Zahit
Z
D006801:Humans; D015228:Hypertriglyceridemia / Q000628:therapy*; D010951:Plasma Exchange / Q000009:adverse effects