RF32 | PSUN67 Recurrent Acute Pancreatitis Secondary to Hypertriglyceridemia in an Adolescent With Type 2 Diabetes, Symptomatic Hypocalcemia, and COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Munoz Michael , Alkhatib Einas , Merchant Nadia 
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Hypertriglyceridemia is the third most common cause of acute pancreatitis, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Hypocalcemia is a frequent complication of pancreatitis, attributed to saponification of calcium by the release of pancreatic lipase. Free fatty acids are released by the breakdown of triglycerides, then react with extracellular calcium, forming fatty acid salts that deposit in the retroperitoneum and reduce calcium availability.1

We present a case of an adolescent female with recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypocalcemia. Her first presentation of pancreatitis coincided with new-onset type 2 diabetes, while this third episode with COVID-19.

Case

An 18-year-old morbidly obese female with type 2 diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, hepatomegaly, and recurrent acute pancreatitis was admitted for a third episode of pancreatitis secondary to severe hypertriglyceridemia.

On admission, triglycerides were 3213 mg/dL (reference 35-134mg/dL), lipase 12,721 units/L (145-226u/L), amylase 323 units/L (&lt;106u/L), AST 90 units/L (10-26u/L), and ALT 109 units/L (19-49u/L). A1C was 7.5%, blood glucose 301 mg/dL, bicarbonate 25 mmol/L, and large urine ketones. Initial calcium was 8.7 mg/dL (9.0-10.7mg/dL) and albumin 4.0 gm/dL (3.8-5.6gm/dL). The next day, she developed hypocalcemia with numbness and tingling. Serum calcium was 5.3mg/dL, ionized calcium 0.74 mmol/L (1.12-1.37mmol/L), and albumin &lt;0.6 gm/dL. 25-hydroxy vitamin D level was 16.5 ng/mL (30-100). QTc was 470 ms (350-440ms). She was transferred to pediatric intensive care and initiated on an insulin drip at 0.1 units/kg/hour for hypertriglyceridemia. She received four IV calcium gluconate boluses (1000-2000 mg each). Symptoms improved within one day. Triglycerides decreased to 642 mg/dL, calcium and albumin normalized, and subcutaneous insulin regimen was resumed. She started vitamin D 3000 IU daily and elemental calcium carbonate 26 mg/kg/day. During her hospitalization, she was found to be COVID-19 positive and had become hypoxemic requiring 2.5 liters of oxygen. Upon resolution, she was discharged with outpatient follow-up.

Of note, there is a strong maternal family history of type 2 diabetes and hypertriglyceridemia. The mother had three strokes in her forties. The patient has not previously undergone pancreatitis genetic testing.

Discussion

To conclude, this case affirms the importance of detecting hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis early on and improved outcomes with insulin drips. It is important to determine triggers for recurrent pancreatitis in those with underlying genetic etiologies of hypertriglyceridemia. Additionally, it is crucial to monitor for secondary hypocalcemia, particularly given the risk for prolonged QT interval and ventricular arrhythmias. Lastly, the COVID-19 pandemic may be associated with more severe presentations of pancreatitis.

Presentation: Sunday, June 12, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Monday, June 13, 2022 12:30 p.m. - 12:35 p.m.