8077 Use of Lovaza for Management of Hypertriglyceridemia in Pregnancy
Authors: Segarra-Villafane Jamilisse , Sepulveda-Garcia Luis Ruben , Penna Laurianne El Musa , Arroyo Isabel C , Maisonet -Feliciano Zulmarie , Medina-Torres Wilnelia , Alvarado Milliette , Ramirez Margarita , Gonzalez-Rodriguez Loida Alejandra 
Published: October 2024

Disclosure: J. Segarra-Villafane: None. L.R. Sepulveda-Garcia: None. L. El Musa Penna: None. I.C. Arroyo: None. Z. Maisonet -Feliciano: None. W. Medina-Torres: None. M. Alvarado: None. M. Ramirez: None. L.A. Gonzalez-Rodriguez: None.

Severe hypertriglyceridemia in pregnancy increases the risk of health complications to both mother and fetus, including preeclampsia, hyperviscosity syndrome and life-threatening pancreatitis. Several case reports include management of hypertriglyceridemia in pregnancy with medical nutrition therapy, omega fatty acids and gemfibrozil but is controversial. There are no formal clinical guidelines for management of severe hypertriglyceridemia in pregnancy which presents a challenge for physicians. Lovaza is a combination of ethyl esters of omega 3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) indicated as an adjunct to diet to reduce triglycerides (TG) levels in adult patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia. Lovaza is Category C (risk cannot be ruled out) and should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Case of a 40 years old female G3P1A1 with IUP 25 WGA with history of hypothyroidism, dyslipidemia and episode of acute pancreatitis in 2016 due to hypertriglyceridemia, who was referred to clinics due to uncontrolled lipids and thyroid disease. Laboratories included fasting serum triglycerides (TG) 4357mg/dL (40-150mg/dL), total cholesterol 525mg/dL (120-200), HDL 56mg/dL, LDL invalid due to elevated TG. Thyroid function test revealed TSH of 161uIU/mL (0.43-2.91) and FT4 of 0.24ng/dL (0.8-1.8). HbA1c, lipase and amylase within range. Vital signs were normal. Patient was asymptomatic, no abdominal complaints or hypothyroidism-related symptoms, but hospital admission was recommended due to high risk of pancreatitis and uncontrolled hypothyroidism. She was started on Synthroid 220 mcg IV daily for hypothyroidism and was placed NPO until nutritionist evaluation. Triglycerides levels improved with conservative interventions and low-fat diet. However, TG persisted above 2000mg/dL and, after discussing risks and benefits with patient, pharmacological therapy with Lovaza was started to reach goal of TG less than 1000 mg/dL and reduce potential risk of pancreatitis. Patient agreed to start Lovaza 2gm AM and 2gm PM. After initiation of Lovaza, in addition to dietary modifications and hypothyroidism management, laboratories showed significant improvement in TG levels from 3569 down to 1778 mg/dL. Patient was discharged on Lovaza 2gm oral BID and Synthroid 200mcg oral daily. One month later, TG had decreased to 557mg/dL (0-150) and thyroid tests showed TSH at 0.305mIU/mL and FT4 at 1.71ng/dL. Patient tolerated medications well without side effects and had an uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery. This case demonstrates that severe hypertriglyceridemia during pregnancy can be managed effectively and, more importantly, in a safe manner with Lovaza, in addition to dietary fat restriction. However, additional research is needed if its use is to be included in future pregnancy management guidelines.

Presentation: 6/2/2024