Hyperlipidaemia and severe hypertriglyceridaemia in pregnancy

Abstract

Lipid and triglyceride levels increase in pregnancy and do not pose problems for most women. However, pregnancy‐specific factors and genetic aberrations, especially mutations, may result in supraphysiological hypercholesterolaemia (HC) and severe hypertriglyceridaemia (sHTG). HC and sHTG are associated with complications in pregnancy, including acute pancreatitis, hyperviscosity syndrome and pre‐eclampsia. Abnormally high levels of lipids and triglycerides also affect fetal growth and the onset of gestational diabetes. The clinical presentation and diagnosis of HC and sHTG are varied. Management options include lifestyle and dietary restriction/modification, omega‐3, bile‐acid sequestrants, fenofibrate, statins and plasmapheresis.