Triglycerides provide energy, but elevated levels pose health risks, including pancreatitis. Chylomicronemia is a rare condition where triglyceride levels exceed 1,000 mg/dL, leading to possible severe health issues.
A recent study, "Epidemiology and Longitudinal Course of Chylomicronemia: Insights from NHANES and a Large Health Care System," appearing in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology, gives a comprehensive analysis of this disorder. Conducted by Baylor College of Medicine researchers, it focuses on the prevalence, risk factors, and progression, offering valuable insights for healthcare providers.
The study examined data from about 22,000 adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and over 1.2 million people from the Mayo Clinic health system. Findings indicate that chylomicronemia affects about 1 in 500 U.S. adults. Men, those aged 40-59, and Hispanic populations were found to be at higher risk. Out of these, only 8.8% develop persistent chylomicronemia, which is most associated with pancreatitis risk.
“Our research provides a pragmatic approach to identifying and managing patients at the highest risk for pancreatitis and other complications,” said Dr. Christie M. Ballantyne, professor of medicine and chief of cardiovascular surgery research at Baylor, cardiologist at the Texas Heart Institute and senior author of the study, emphasizing the clinical importance of these findings. “By understanding the long-term course of this condition, we can better target emerging therapies to those who need them most.”
For healthcare providers, the study offers tools to identify those at higher risk, emphasize follow-up triglyceride measurements, and prepare for potential therapies that may reduce the disease burden.
"Persistent chylomicronemia is a clear indicator of increased risk for severe disease,” added Dr. Seyedmohammad Saadatagah, lead author and researcher at Baylor. “By shifting the focus to long-term triglyceride trends rather than a single measurement, we can better identify the patients who are most in need of aggressive intervention."
As lipid disorder research progresses, studies like this shape future treatment approaches. With new therapies on the horizon, particularly for persistent chylomicronemia patients, these findings aid in crafting precise interventions.
Team members involved include Mohammadreza Naderian, MD, Mayo Clinic, Miriam Larouche, MD, Université de Montréal, Daniel Gaudet, MD, Université de Montréal, and Iftikhar J. Kullo, MD, Mayo Clinic.
For more information, consult the full study in the Journal of Clinical Lipidology.
