High blood levels of triglycerids

Question

Hello, I am 32 years old, and was diagnosed with bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). I am heterozygous for the DF508 mutation (second possible mutation unidentified) and "suffering" from chronic sinusitis. My sweat test, if I understood, ranges in the intermediate values and does not allow a firm diagnosis. I recently conducted routine blood tests which revealed high levels of triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. Can these high values be due to a malfunction of the pancreas due to a "mild" cystic fibrosis? Thank you in advance for your reply and congratulations for this site where clear answers are always made.

Answer

Hello,
Your bilateral absence of the vas deferens associated with sinusitis is within the scope of a CFTR-related disorder and intermediate values of sweat test are usually observed. Most of these patients do not have pancreatic insufficiency. For more information on diseases associated with CFTR, you can refer to the article "Recommendations for the classification of diseases as CFTR-related disorders", Bombieri C et al , Journal of Cystic Fibrosis 2011, 10 Suppl 2, S86 -S102) .
Patients with cystic fibrosis, even when they have pancreatic insufficiency, have no increase in blood levels of triglycerides and cholesterol. Frequently, their cholesterol level is even below normal. This does not mean that we never encounter elevated triglycerides or cholesterol, but it is not related to cystic fibrosis.
I suggest you see your doctor to determine if you need dietary advice or treatment of these abnormalities.
Best regards,
Dr Dominique Hubert

21.10.2013