Hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis during pregnancy: Prevention with diet therapy and [omega]-3 fatty acids in the following pregnancy

Acute pancreatitis complicating pregnancy is rare and has previously been associated with high mortality rates. We report a case of repeated hypertriglyceridemia during pregnancy. During the patient's first pregnancy, acute pancreatitis was elicited in the third trimester by pregnancy-induced hypertriglyceridemia. The patient was treated successfully with a conservative treatment course. The hypertriglyceridemia recurred during her second pregnancy. She carried the pregnancy to term without incident while maintaining a diet low in fat diet and high in ω-3 fatty acids. Early diagnosis and intensive treatment can help to preserve the lives of the patient and the fetus. Prophylactic diet therapy and ω-3 fatty acids may prevent recurrent hypertriglyceridemia during pregnancy.