The Use of Orlistat in an Adult with Lipoprotein Lipase Deficiency: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Patients with lipoprotein lipase (LPL) deficiency, an inherited disorder, develop hypertriglyceridemia, which can lead to recurrent pancreatitis. The mainstay of therapy is medical nutritional therapy. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 35-year-old woman with LPL deficiency who experienced recurrent hospitalizations for hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis, which was effectively treated with orlistat. DISCUSSION: Other agents that have been studied for the treatment of LPL deficiency are costly and have limiting side effects. Studies have shown orlistat to be safe and effective for the treatment of LPL deficiency in children. No studies have been performed in adults with LPL deficiency. CONCLUSION: Orlistat may be a potential adjunctive treatment option for LPL deficiency in adults, given its availability and favorable safety profile. Further research regarding orlistat in the setting of LPL deficiency is needed.