Hyperlipidemia: A Rare Complications Following in Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

Author(s): Dr. Dinesh Agarwal, Dr. Deepak Goenka, Dr. Barkha Jain and Dr. Shamantaka Somayaji

Abstract:

Although estrogens can lead to increased blood levels of triglyceride, this is usually harmless in patients whose baseline triglycerides are within normal limits. Estrogen-induced severe hypertriglyceridemia can sometimes lead to severe pancreatitis. Few cases of hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis have been reported in women during a vitro fertilization treatment (IVF) cycle. Here, we describe a 34-year-old female with secondary infertility who was on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), exogenous estrogen and progesterone to prepare for transfer of cryopreserved embryos. She subsequently presented with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain to an emergency room and was found to have hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis. Our case highlights the possibility that estrogen, which is commonly used for endometrial preparation during IVF cycles, may cause severe hypertriglyceridemia and acute pancreatitis. Our case, demonstrate hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis can occur during IVF. Further work is needed to understand the effects of exogenous estrogen on lipids for women undergoing IVF.

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