Abstract
Introduction: This is the case of a pregnant woman on her 3rd trimester who was diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism. Since there are two patients involved, the potential complications that can be brought about by the diagnostic tests and the treatment had to be weighed against the benefits.
Case: The patient is SA, a 34-year old female on her 29th week of pregnancy, admitted due to a month history of abdominal pain described as intermittent, crampy, generalized, non-radiating, and mild-to-moderately severe in intensity. She was advised to do tests but did not comply. In the interim, there was recurrence of symptoms but with resolution. However, the crampy abdominal pain recurred, now localized at the right upper quadrant and epigastric areas, radiating to the right upper back, moderate in intensity, and with associated nausea and vomiting, leading to admission.
She was first managed under OB-Gynecology, given hydration, pain management and Betamethasone. She was also referred to Cardiology for blood pressure control, and Surgery for evaluation of the abdominal pain. Due to an increasing trend of her blood glucose, she was referred to Endocrinology and started on insulin. Mild bilateral nephrocalcinoses seen in an abdominal ultrasound prompted work-up showing an elevated serum ionized calcium at 1.88 meq/L (n 1.12-1.32 meq/L), elevated intact PTH at 451.13 pg/ml (n <67.9 pg/ml), and low Vitamin D at 10.96 ng/ml (n >30ng/ml). Parathyroid ultrasound showed nonthyroidal tissue measuring 0.4 x 0.6 cm at the right inferior area. Saline hydration and diuresis with Furosemide were started to manage the hypercalcemia. A multi-disciplinary meeting was held to discuss the options for management and risks involved. The goal was to deliver the baby in stable condition possibly to term, while keeping maternal calcium levels and blood pressure normal.
However on her 30th week of gestation, she had persistent elevated blood pressure and underwent emergency caesarian section. After delivery, the patient was advised against breastfeeding for adequate management of her hypercalcemia. She was started on Cinacalcet, Calcitonin, and Ibandronic Acid. A Parathyroid Sestamibi Scan done showed a parathyroid adenoma on the right inferior lobe, and she underwent right inferior parathyroidectomy, with left thyroidectomy and isthmusectomy. Findings showed a right inferior parathyroid adenoma and a benign follicular nodule on the left thyroid. She was started on Calcium Carbonate and Calcitriol, and discharged stable.
Conclusions: This case shows that when two lives are at stake every step of the management, whether diagnostic or therapeutic, must be communicated well to the patient and to the other members of the team. It is ultimately a choice made by the expectant mother but through the proper guidance and updated knowledge of the team, combined with a good clinical eye especially in the treatment of pregnant women.
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