Hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis: epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical management

Hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP) typically occurs in patients with an underlying dyslipidemia (such as type I, IV or V dyslipidemia) and in the presence of a secondary condition, such as inadequately controlled diabetes, excess alcohol consumption or medication use. Although the symptoms of HTGP are similar to those of acute pancreatitis from other etiologies, HTGP is often associated with greater clinical severity and rate of complications. Therefore, accurate diagnosis of HTGP is essential so that patients receive the appropriate treatment. Novel therapies that aim to reduce the incidence of pancreatitis in this patient population are now available or in development. Understanding the etiology, pathophysiology and clinical characteristics of HTGP will enable future development of therapeutic agents to treat HTGP.

Epidemiologia i etiologia ostrego zapalenia trzustki

Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common and severe gastrointestinal disease with poorly understood pathogenesis. The incidence rate of acute pancreatitis has been rising recently in many countries. Moving forward, the disease represents a significant number of hospitalizations. Although the most common etiological factors including biliary stones and alcohol abuse are relatively easy to diagnose, the identifications of the other less common etiologies may be challenging. Moreover, regardless of its etiology, acute pancreatitis represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, ranging, in the case of severe form of acute pancreatitis, from 36 to 50%. Recently, several guidelines of acute pancreatitis management have been published. Typical clinical management of acute pancreatitis includes intensive intravenous hydration, analgesia, and treatment of complications. However, data concerning acute pancreatitis diagnosis are still insufficient. Thus, the aim of this review was to discuss the acute pancreatitis epidemiology as well as establish the acute pancreatitis etiological workup algorithm.