An unusual case of (pseudo)hypertriglyceridaemia

A high concentration of glycerol in plasma is an interfering factor in the determination of triglycerides, giving rise to (pseudo)hypertriglyceridaemia. Hyperglycerolaemia may be due to the presence of exogenous glycerol or due to endogenous glycerol accumulation. In the present case report, a 57-year-old male patient with end-stage renal disease presented with a pseudohypertriglyceridaemia based on a pronounced hyperglycerolaemia. The hyperglycerolaemia was due to chronic intake of glycerol-containing alcoholic beverages in combination with a reduced glycerol clearance and glycerol kinase activity. In conclusion, an unexplained hypertriglyceridaemia in patients with an impaired renal function should raise the suspicion of hyperglycerolaemia.