A 31-year-old man named Chen was admitted to Taikang Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China, after experiencing severe abdominal pain and fatigue for several days. Medical examinations revealed that his amylase level was at 820 U/L, and blood lipid tests indicated significantly elevated levels, with a total cholesterol of 9.5 mmol/L and neutral fats at 25.36 mmol/L, nearly 14 times higher than normal values.
Doctors diagnosed him with acute pancreatitis due to hyperlipidemia and diabetes, a critical condition that required immediate transfer to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for close monitoring and comprehensive treatment. Initially, the medical team provided symptom relief and supportive measures such as fasting, acid and enzyme suppression, nutritional support, pain relief, blood sugar reduction, and acid correction. Subsequently, a nephrologist was urgently consulted.
Upon evaluation, the medical team decided to use plasma exchange therapy to separate and remove the “oil” from Chen’s blood, aiming to quickly reduce the blood lipid levels. As the artificial kidney machine operated, Chen’s serum gradually became clearer from its initial “milky” appearance, eventually allowing doctors to remove around 1000ml of “oil” from his bloodstream.
Thanks to prompt medical intervention, Chen’s condition improved gradually, and he was transferred to the Gastroenterology Department for further diagnosis and treatment. By December 8th, he had successfully recovered and was discharged from the hospital.
Reportedly, Chen, who stands at 180cm tall and weighed over 220kg, developed high blood lipid levels, high blood sugar, and severe acute pancreatitis due to long-term poor dietary habits.
For patients with high blood lipid levels and acute pancreatitis like Chen, conventional medications such as heparin and insulin may struggle to lower triglycerides to the target level or reduce them at a slow pace. Plasma exchange therapy becomes necessary to swiftly decrease blood lipids and alleviate inflammation.
Doctors cautioned that severe abdominal pain is a common symptom of acute pancreatitis, which often arises suddenly, intensely, and persistently, mainly in the middle and left upper abdomen, occasionally spreading across the entire abdominal area. Symptoms may include nausea, difficulty breathing, and even shock. If severe and persistent abdominal pain occurs, seeking immediate medical attention is advised rather than enduring it.
