Hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis: updated review of current treatment and preventive strategies.

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is an uncommon but well-established cause of acute pancreatitis (AP) comprising up to 7% of the cases. The clinical course of HTG-induced pancreatitis (HTGP) is highly similar to that of AP of other etiologies with HTG being the only distinguishing clinical feature. However, HTGP is often correlated with higher severity and elevated complication rate. At present, no approved treatment guideline for the management of HTGP is available, although different treatment modalities such as insulin, heparin, fibric acids, and omega 3 fatty acids have been successfully implemented to reduce serum triglycerides (TG). Plasmapheresis has also been used to counteract elevated TG levels in HTGP patients. However, it has been associated with complications. Following the management of acute phase, lifestyle modifications including dietary adjustments and drug therapy are essential in the long-term management of HTGP and the prevention of its relapse. Results from studies of small patient groups describing treatment and prevention of HTGP are not sufficient to draw solid conclusions resulting in no treatment algorithm being available for effective management of HTGP. Therefore, prospective randomized, active-controlled clinical studies are required to find a better treatment regimen for the management of HTGP. Until date, one randomized clinical trial has been performed to compare clinical outcomes of different treatment approaches for HTGP. However, further studies are required to outline a generalized and efficient treatment regimen for the management of HTGP.

Iron Pill Gastritis: An Under Diagnosed Condition With Potentially Serious Outcomes.

Given the ubiquitous use of oral iron therapy, their side effects are often encountered and well recognized in clinical practice. However, iron pill gastritis remains an often under-reported and elusive diagnosis. An astute clinician should be aware of this condition in order to promptly discontinue oral iron and institute timely treatment. Here in, we present a case of a 46-year-old woman who presented to the gastroenterology clinic with vague epigastric pain and microcytic anemia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed multiple gastric erosions and non-bleeding gastric antral ulcer with biopsies showing excessive iron deposition suggestive of iron pill gastritis. We reviewed the clinical features, pathology, and treatment of iron pill gastritis along with the review of the literature.