Plasmapheresis in hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis

The study involved hospitalizations with a diagnosis of hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis (HTGAP). This cohort was grouped into plasmapheresis and nonplasmapheresis groups using ICD-10 codes (6A550Z3 and 6A551Z3). Information was obtained on inpatient mortality, length of stay, total hospital charges, as well as the occurrence of comorbid systemic immune response syndrome, sepsis, septic shock, acute respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, kidney failure, hypocalcemia, and need for transfusion of blood products. The study identified independent predictors of plasmapheresis. The plasmapheresis group had a higher proportion of patients with diabetes mellitus and obesity. Inpatient mortality was higher in the plasmapheresis group (0.86% vs 0.57%), and plasmapheresis was also associated with longer length of stay and higher total hospital charges. Overall, plasmapheresis was associated with higher proportions of inpatient complications. Patients with HTGAP had higher odds of undergoing plasmapheresis if they were in an urban location (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.14, 95% confidence Interval [CI] 1.86–20.28, P = 0.003), larger hospital (aOR 3.37, 95% CI 2.14–5.29, P < 0.001), and teaching hospital (aOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.39–2.92, P < 0.001). Black patients were less likely to undergo plasmapheresis than white patients (aOR 0.42, 95% CI 0.23–0.78, P = 0.006). Patients with HTGAP who receive plasmapheresis may be at higher risk of numerous in-hospital complications, including death, compared to those who do not receive plasmapheresis. Black and older patients were less likely to undergo plasmapheresis.