SAT-565 Familial Homozygous Lipoprotein Lipase Defect Presenting with Recurrent Chylomicronemia Syndrome: Making a Case for Elective Plasmapheresis as an Adjuvant Treatment Modality

Background The chylomicronemia syndrome is a disorder characterized by severe hypertriglyceridemia and fasting chylomicronemia. Type Ia hyperlipoproteinemia is an extremely rare genetic disorder that results from homozygous deficiency in LPL activity. It is characterized by eruptive xanthomas, lipemia retinalis, memory disturbances, hepatosplenomegaly and frequent episodes of pancreatitis. Pharmacologic agents including fibrates, fish oils and statins have been used for treatment. Patients who fail pharmacologic therapy are usually treated with plasmapheresis. This case showed a patient in which joint decision making led to elective plasmapheresis to avoid chylomicronemia syndrome as an adjunct to medical therapy. Clinical case A 35-year-old lady without known medical co-morbidity presented with 2 weeks of dull abdominal pain radiating to the back. She developed nausea and vomiting which led to her presentation. There was no history of alcohol use, gall stones, diabetes mellitus or thyroid dysfunction. She was not on any medications. Physical examination was significant for BMI of 18, moderate abdominal tenderness, splenomegaly and an indurated rash in her legs. Laboratory investigation showed elevated lipase and triglyceride level of 3313 (normal 30-50) mg/dL. CT of the abdomen was consistent with acute interstitial pancreatitis. She was managed with insulin drip and fenofibrate and discharged 3 days later on fenofibrate, atorvastatin and long acting insulin. She developed another episode of acute pancreatitis while on medical therapy requiring readmission and initiation of insulin drip 2 months later. However, triglycerides trended upwards when the drip was stopped and symptoms of acute pancreatitis worsened. She subsequently underwent plasmapheresis which led to resolution of symptoms. Despite maximally tolerated pharmacologic therapy, she persistently has triglycerides above 4000s and persistent abdominal discomfort. Genetic testing confirmed homozygous defect in LPL gene. Following an outpatient Endocrinology visit, a decision was made to pursue elective plasmapheresis as an adjunct to therapy. She had on average 2 sessions monthly for 3 months with overall improvement in abdominal discomfort as well as significant improvement in triglyceride levels. Conclusion Familial chylomicronemia syndromes often require multimodal therapeutic approaches to prevent morbidity and complications. These include diet and pharmacologic therapy. Although plasmapheresis is often used during hospitalizations for hypertriglyceridemia induced pancreatitis refractory to diet and pharmacologic therapy, it was used in our patient electively and efficaciously to control hypertriglyceridemia and improve symptoms of chylomicronemia syndrome.