sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Chylomicronemia syndrome: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting with inability to keep down fluids, fainting, confusion, breathing difficulty, or signs of severe dehydration.

    These symptoms can have several causes and require in-person evaluation.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact a clinician promptly for a new pattern of abdominal discomfort, repeated nausea, reduced food intake, new skin bumps, or triglyceride results that are much higher than usual.

    Seek urgent medical assessment for persistent upper abdominal pain, especially when it spreads to the back or occurs with vomiting.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up usually includes fasting triglyceride measurements, review of abdominal symptoms, and assessment of nutrition and contributing conditions.

    The clinician may also monitor glucose, liver and kidney function, thyroid function, or vitamin levels when relevant.

    People taking medicine need follow-up for effectiveness and side effects.

    Those with FCS may benefit from care involving a lipid specialist, registered dietitian, primary care clinician, and genetic counselor.

    During pregnancy or when planning pregnancy, early coordination with an obstetric and lipid team is important because triglycerides can rise quickly.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Chylomicronemia syndrome. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.