Hyperlipidemia and pregnancy associated pancreatitis with reference to plasma exchange as a therapeutic intervention.

A 23 year old pregnant woman presented in her third trimester with severe pancreatitis and hyperlipidemia. Initial investigations suggested that her pancreatitis was induced by profound hypertriglyceridemia, which was the result of an underlying Fredrickson's V type hyperlipoproteinemia exacerbated by pregnancy. Concern for the life of the fetus prompted a caesarean operation and then drainage procedure for pancreatitis. Plasma exchange, carried out to lower the levels of lipids and the pancreatic enzymes, improved the signs and symptoms of the patient. Plasma exchange may be of great use in the management of hyperlipidemic pancreatitis.