Severe Hypertriglyceridemia in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Participating in the AMD Annals Initiative

Background: Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a rare inherited condition due to lipoprotein lipase deficiency, characterized by hyperchylomicronemia and severe hypertriglyceridemia. Diagnosis is often delayed, thus increasing the risk of acute pancreatitis and hospitalization. Hypertriglyceridemia is a common finding in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), who may harbor FCS among the most severe forms. Aim of the Study: We investigated the prevalence and clinical characteristics associated with severe hypertriglyceridemia in a range indicative of FCS, in a large population of subjects with T2D. Methods: Within the large population of the AMD Annals Initiative, patients with T2D with a lipid profile suggestive of FCS [triglycerides >880 mg/dL and/or high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol <22 mg/dL or non-HDL-cholesterol <= 70 mg/dL] and their clinical features have been identified. Results: Overall, 8592 patients had triglyceride values >880 mg/dL in a single examination, 613 in two examinations, and 34 in three or more measurements. Patients with high triglyceride levels were mostly male (80%), with a relatively young age (54 years), short duration of diabetes (6.3 years), and elevated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels (9.4%). By stratifying this group of patients according to the severity of hypertriglyceridemia, more severe hypertriglyceridemia (triglyceride levels >= 2000 mg/dL) was associated with an even younger age (52 vs. 54 years), even higher mean HbA1c values (10.0% vs. 9.4%), and significantly higher HDL-cholesterol levels (37.9 vs. 32.4 mg/dL; P < 0.0001). Patients with persistently elevated triglyceride levels (n = 34), on three measurements, had a younger age; lower body mass index, HbA1c, and HDL-cholesterol levels; more frequent use of fibrates and insulin; and a higher prevalence of major cardiovascular events. Conclusions: Severe hypertriglyceridemia is a frequent condition in outpatients with T2D participating in the AMD Annals Initiative, and it is associated with male sex, young age, short disease duration, and a worse glycemic profile. Among patients with persistent severe hypertriglyceridemia, hidden FCS may be present.