Hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis during pregnancy: prevention with diet therapy and omega-3 fatty acids in the following pregnancy

Nutrition. 2009 Nov-Dec;25(11-12):1094-7. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2009.04.009. Epub 2009 Jun 12.

Abstract

Acute pancreatitis complicating pregnancy is rare and has previously been associated with high mortality rates. We report a case of repeated hypertriglyceridemia during pregnancy. During the patient's first pregnancy, acute pancreatitis was elicited in the third trimester by pregnancy-induced hypertriglyceridemia. The patient was treated successfully with a conservative treatment course. The hypertriglyceridemia recurred during her second pregnancy. She carried the pregnancy to term without incident while maintaining a diet low in fat diet and high in omega-3 fatty acids. Early diagnosis and intensive treatment can help to preserve the lives of the patient and the fetus. Prophylactic diet therapy and omega-3 fatty acids may prevent recurrent hypertriglyceridemia during pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Dietary Fats / therapeutic use*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertriglyceridemia / complications
  • Hypertriglyceridemia / diet therapy*
  • Hypolipidemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Pancreatitis / diet therapy*
  • Pancreatitis / etiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diet therapy*
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Third

Substances

  • Dietary Fats
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Hypolipidemic Agents