Hyperlipidaemia and pancreatitis associated with oral contraceptive therapy

Case reports of 2 patients who developed pancreatitis and hyperlipidemia while using oral contraceptives are presented. The 1st patient had been taking Ovulen for 2 years when severe abdominal pain suddenly developed. Initially cholecystitis was diagnosed. Symptoms subsided within 1 week but recurred 2 months later, when the white blood count was increased to 16,400/cubic mm. Serum was grossly lipemic with a triglyceride level of 3500 mg% and serum cholesterol 560 mg%. 3 days later triglycerides had fallen to 400 mg% and cholesterol to 270 mg%. Cholecystography was normal. The pain had subsided. Symptoms have not recurred since stopping use of Ovulen. The 2nd patient was admitted with severe abdominal pain of 48 hours duration. Similar attacks of pain had occurred previously but had been of short duration. She had been taking Ovulen for 3 years. White blood count was increased to 18,000. Serum was grossly lipemic. Serum glyceride concentration was 7000 mg% and cholesterol 1200 mg%. Afer 3 days triglycerides were 500 mg% and cholesterol 475 mg%. Pancreatitis was diagnosed. Therapy was Ryles tube suction, atropine, intravenous saline, and a broad spectrum antibiotic. Symptoms subsided in 10 days. The hyperlipidemia is thought to have been a primary condition causing the pancreatitis. [Patients known to have such a condition should avoid use of oral contraceptives.