[Severe hypertriglyceridemia in diabetic ketoacidosis: case report].

OBJECTIVES Diabetic ketoacidosis is a recurrent problem in the emergency room that requires prompt and effective treatment. Usually, it may be associated with an increase in triglyceride levels, exposing the patient to the risk of pancreatitis. METHODS We report the case of a 38-year-old female patient with diabetic ketoacidosis and severe hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides: 11.758 mg/dL). RESULTS The patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Hydration and intravenous insulin were performed with success. During hospitalization, the levels of triglycerides decreased significantly and the levels of amylase and lipase remained at normal ranges, not suggesting pancreatitis. No other Brazilian cases with these levels of triglycerides were found. CONCLUSION We conclude that, in diabetic ketoacidosis, lipid profile, including triglycerides, should be requested, due to a not negligible prevalence of complications such as hypertriglycerides and pancreatitis.