Omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia during the second trimester

Abstract Objective Serum triacylglycerol (TG) levels increase during pregnancy. High serum TG levels may elicit acute pancreatitis; therefore, it is important that pregnant women are managed well to abrogate the rapid rise of TG levels in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to report on the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid administration on pregnant women with hypertriacylglycerolemia in the second trimester. Method We report on four patients who presented to Kumamoto University Hospital from January 2005 to March 2013. Findings All four patients delivered neonates at term without complicating acute pancreatitis. Additionally, in three cases of multipara, the maximum serum TG levels were decreased to 10% to 49% of their preceding pregnancy. Conclusion Oral eicosapentaenoic acid administration might be a safe and useful treatment for hypertriacylglycerolemia during pregnancy and may prevent the development of acute pancreatitis.