Triglycerides

Normal: < 160mg/dl (< 2.09 mmol/L)

TPN relevance

Serum triglyceride measurements are useful indicators of lipid tolerance in patients receiving IV lipids.

Hyperlipidemia: Greater than 250 mg/dL

Causes:

Assessment:

Triglyceride levels occasionally become persistently elevated in patients receiving continuous infusions of IV lipids.  At very high levels (greater than 1000 mg/dl) triglycerides appear to precipitate pancreatitis.

TPN correction:

Consider cyclical administration of lipids over 12-18 hours a day to give the liver a chance to rest from the fat load.  Heparin may facilitate faster metabolism of chylomicrons and reduce triglyceride levels.