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When can we consider deferring an insulin drip in patients with hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis?

If the patient does not have underlying diabetes, do the benefits of an insulin drip for this indication outweigh the risks?
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What is your typical initial approach to treating hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis in a non-diabetic patient?

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2 Answers
Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Hospital Medicine · Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Answered on

Serum triglyceride levels >500 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) are required for hypertriglyceridemia to be considered the underlying etiology of acute pancreatitis (UpToDate).

For patients with severe hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis, such as those serum triglyceride levels >1000 mg/dL plus lipase >3 times the u...

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Mednet Member
Mednet Member
Pulmonology · NYU Langone Pulmonary Associates
Answered on

There is no evidence in humans that insulin infusion is more effective than waiting. I restrict carbs, control hyperglycemia, and wait. Insulin infusion is a morbid intervention with no data that it is any better than supportive care.

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