Acute pancreatitis caused by 'clotted' blood lipids.

The patient, a male from Hanoi , was admitted to the emergency room at the Central Military Hospital 108 with severe abdominal pain due to acute pancreatitis.

Fat "solidified" in the patient's blood sample tube one hour after it was removed.

The patient had previously received treatment for acute pancreatitis six times at other hospitals. Upon admission, the patient was treated at the Gastroenterology Emergency Department of the Institute for Gastrointestinal Diseases. Diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests revealed edematous acute pancreatitis in the abdominal cavity; pancreatic enzymes were elevated, and the triglyceride level upon admission was 157 mmol/L (normal level below 2.3 mmol/L). The patient was treated with intravenous fluids, pain relief, and lipid-lowering therapy using intravenous insulin. After one week of treatment, the patient's abdominal pain subsided, blood lipid levels returned to acceptable limits, and the patient was discharged.

According to doctors in the Gastroenterology Emergency Department, acute pancreatitis due to hyperlipidemia accounts for approximately 30-35% of patients admitted with acute pancreatitis. Hyperlipidemia (triglyceride) is directly related to acute pancreatitis. Specifically, with triglyceride levels above 5.6 mmol/L, patients are at risk of acute pancreatitis. If triglycerides are above 11.3 mmol/L, the risk of acute pancreatitis is 5%, and this rate increases to 10-20% when triglyceride levels are above 22.6 mmol/L.

Dr. Ngo Thi Hoai, a physician in the Gastroenterology Emergency Department, shared: "Many studies have shown that acute pancreatitis caused by high blood lipids is often more severe and life-threatening than other causes. If the patient's high blood lipids are not treated, there is a risk of recurrent acute pancreatitis, which can then lead to chronic pancreatitis causing failure of both endocrine and exocrine pancreas."

Dr. Hoai also advised: People with lipid metabolism disorders should seek examination and treatment for high blood lipids; maintain blood lipid control through diet, weight management, and medication.

According to the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, triglycerides are neutral fats found in the blood, accounting for up to 95% of the fats (vegetable oils, animal fats) in the daily diet. After eating, the body converts any calories not immediately used into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells. Hormones then release triglycerides to provide energy for the body.

If a person consistently consumes more calories than they burn, especially high-energy foods, their body will accumulate more triglycerides, meaning that the level of triglycerides in the blood will increase.

People with high triglyceride levels are often overweight, eat too much sugar, drink a lot of alcohol, smoke, are sedentary, or have diabetes with high blood sugar.

HOW TO CONTROL BLOOD LIPID LEVELS?

Increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Limit or completely eliminate alcohol consumption, especially for those with cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure.

You shouldn't eat too much starch.

Increase regular exercise or engage in gentle sports such as walking, badminton, swimming, or Tai Chi exercises.

Regular check-ups are recommended to get blood lipid tests. If blood lipid levels are high, treatment is necessary; follow your doctor's instructions and advice, and do not self-medicate.

(Source: National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion)

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