1
|
Clifton-Bligh RJ. The diagnosis and management of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma during pregnancy. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2023; 24:49-56. [PMID: 36637675 PMCID: PMC9884650 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09773-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosis of pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma (PPGL) in pregnancy has been associated historically with high rates of materno-fetal morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence suggests outcomes are improved by recognition of PPGL before or during pregnancy and appropriate medical management with alpha-blockade. Whether antepartum surgery (before the third trimester) is required remains controversial and open to case-based merits. Women with PPGL in pregnancy are more commonly delivered by Caesarean section, although vaginal delivery appears to be safe in selected cases. At least some PPGLs express the luteinizing hormone/chorionic gonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) which may explain their dramatic manifestation in pregnancy. PPGLs in pregnancy are often associated with heritable syndromes, and genetic counselling and testing should be offered routinely in this setting. Since optimal outcomes are only achieved by early recognition of PPGL in (or ideally before) pregnancy, it is incumbent for clinicians to be aware of this diagnosis in a pregnant woman with hypertension occurring before 20 weeks' gestation, and acute and/or refractory hypertension particularly if paroxysmal and accompanied by sweating, palpitations and/or headaches. All women with a past history of PPGL and/or heritable PPGL syndrome should be carefully assessed for the presence of residual or recurrent disease before considering pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roderick J Clifton-Bligh
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of secondary hypertension. Although hypertensive disorders seem to affect around 5-10% of pregnancies worldwide, literature counts less than 80 cases of PA diagnosed during the peri-partum period. In this review we discuss about current knowledge on pathophysiology, natural history, diagnosis and treatment of PA in pregnancy. Because of the physiologic changes in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the contraindication to both confirmatory test and subtype differentiation, diagnosis of PA during pregnancy is challenging and relies mostly on detection of low/suppressed renin and high aldosterone levels. The course of pregnancy in patients with PA is highly variable, ranging from progesterone-induced amelioration of blood pressure (BP) control to severe and resistant hypertension with potential maternal and fetal complications. Mineralcorticoid receptor antagonists (MRA) are the recommended and most effective drugs for treatment of PA. As the anti-androgenic effect of spironolactone can potentially interfere with sexual development, their prescription is not recommended during pregnancy. On the other side, eplerenone, has proven to be safe and effective in 6 pregnant women and may be added to conventional first line drug regimen in presence of resistant hypertension or persistent hypokalemia. Ideally, patients with unilateral forms of PA should undergo adrenalectomy prior to conception, however, when PA is diagnosed during pregnancy and medical therapy fails to adequately control hypertension or its complications, adrenalectomy can be considered during the second trimester in case of unilateral adrenal mass at MRI-scan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Forestiero
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Via Genova 3, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Elisa Sconfienza
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Via Genova 3, 10126, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Mulatero
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Via Genova 3, 10126, Torino, Italy.
| | - Silvia Monticone
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Via Genova 3, 10126, Torino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
While most adrenal tumors are identified incidentally and are non-functional, hormone-secreting tumors can cause morbidity and mortality. Hemodynamic lability and hypertension in pregnancy are associated with worse maternal and fetal outcomes. Achieving a diagnosis of hormone excess due to adrenal tumors can be clinically more difficult in the gravid patient due to normal physiologic alterations in hormones and symptoms related to pregnancy. This review focuses on some nuances of the diagnostic work-up, perioperative care, and surgical management of adrenally-mediated cortisol excess, primary aldosteronism, and pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma in the pregnant patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophie Dream
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Tracy S Wang
- Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tossetta G, Fantone S, delli Muti N, Balercia G, Ciavattini A, Giannubilo SR, Marzioni D. Preeclampsia and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection: a systematic review. J Hypertens 2022; 40:1629-1638. [PMID: 35943095 PMCID: PMC10860893 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease that has rapidly spread worldwide, causing hundreds of thousand deaths. Normal placentation is characterized by many processes strictly regulated during pregnancy. If placentation is impaired, it can lead to gestational disorders, such as preeclampsia that is a multisystem disorder that occurs in 2-8% of pregnancies worldwide. METHODS We performed a systematic search to understand the potential involvement of SARS-CoV-2 in preeclampsia onset using the databases, PubMed and Web of Science until 31 January 2022. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 infection not only causes damage to the respiratory system but also can infect human placenta cells impairing pivotal processes necessary for normal placenta development. The inflammatory response trigged by COVID-19 disease is very similar to that one found in preeclampsia pregnancies suggesting a possible link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and preeclampsia onset during pregnancy. CONCLUSION Some studies showed that pregnancies affected by COVID-19 had higher incidence of preeclampsia compared with SARS-CoV-2-negative ones. However, increased blood pressure found in COVID-19 pregnancies does not allow to associate COVID-19 to preeclampsia as hypertension is a common factor to both conditions. At present, no diagnostic tools are available to discriminate real preeclampsia from preeclampsia-like syndrome in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Thus, new specific diagnostic tools are necessary to assure an appropriate diagnosis of preeclampsia in these patients, especially in case of severe COVID-19 disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Tossetta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Umberto I Hospital
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria
| | - Sonia Fantone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Umberto I Hospital
| | - Nicola delli Muti
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Umberto I Hospital, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Balercia
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Umberto I Hospital, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Ciavattini
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria
| | - Stefano Raffaele Giannubilo
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria
| | - Daniela Marzioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Umberto I Hospital
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The etiology of preeclampsia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:S844-S866. [PMID: 35177222 PMCID: PMC8988238 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.1356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Preeclampsia is one of the "great obstetrical syndromes" in which multiple and sometimes overlapping pathologic processes activate a common pathway consisting of endothelial cell activation, intravascular inflammation, and syncytiotrophoblast stress. This article reviews the potential etiologies of preeclampsia. The role of uteroplacental ischemia is well-established on the basis of a solid body of clinical and experimental evidence. A causal role for microorganisms has gained recognition through the realization that periodontal disease and maternal gut dysbiosis are linked to atherosclerosis, thus possibly to a subset of patients with preeclampsia. The recent reports indicating that SARS-CoV-2 infection might be causally linked to preeclampsia are reviewed along with the potential mechanisms involved. Particular etiologic factors, such as the breakdown of maternal-fetal immune tolerance (thought to account for the excess of preeclampsia in primipaternity and egg donation), may operate, in part, through uteroplacental ischemia, whereas other factors such as placental aging may operate largely through syncytiotrophoblast stress. This article also examines the association between gestational diabetes mellitus and maternal obesity with preeclampsia. The role of autoimmunity, fetal diseases, and endocrine disorders is discussed. A greater understanding of the etiologic factors of preeclampsia is essential to improve treatment and prevention.
Collapse
|
6
|
Pacu I, Zygouropoulos N, Furau CG, Navolan D, Tit DM, Ionescu CA, Stoian AP, Petca A, Dimitriu M. Pheochromocytoma as a rare hypertensive complication rarely associated with pregnancy: Diagnostic difficulties (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1345. [PMID: 34630699 PMCID: PMC8495583 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This review provides a brief clinically relevant review of pheochromocytoma in pregnancy, to raise awareness among doctors in obstetrics and the aim is to serve as the first point of reference when confronted by their presence. Pheochromocytomas are neuroendocrine, catecholamine-secreting tumours. Despite having the highest incidence rate among other hormone-secreting adrenal tumours, they remain rare especially when associated with pregnancy. The non-specific presentation of pheochromocytomas, the difficulties in their diagnosis during pregnancy as well as the high maternal and fetal mortality rates associated with them, present a challenge. Clinical suspicion and meticulous patient history-taking remain the primary lines of defense, while biochemical proof of catecholamine excess (or their metabolites) and imaging-based localisation of the tumour are required for diagnosis. Antenatal diagnosis and complete localisation of the tumour increase the likelihood of successful outcomes for both mother and newborn. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remains the method of choice during pregnancy without excluding the use of ultrasound. Treatment goals should include the avoidance of hypertensive crises while maintaining adequate uteroplacental circulation. The target blood pressure is not strictly defined but is in line with the general guideline addressing chronic hypertension during pregnancy. Antihypertensive medications remain the cornerstone in managing pheochromocytoma. As a first-line, the α-adrenergic, nonselective antagonist phenoxybenzamine is the most frequently used agent, while α1-selective adrenergic antagonists with or without the addition of β- or β1-blockers are also prescribed in certain cases, rendering calcium channel blockers as 'second-choice'. Blood-pressure control of the mother and the well-being of the fetus are determining factors in deciding the time of delivery, which is preferably conducted by Caesarean section. Excision of the tumour(s) remains the final treatment goal. Lifelong biochemical testing is required with or without medical treatment, to address mineralocorticoid or glucocorticoid deficits. Despite ever-improving positive outcome rates, pheochromocytoma associated with pregnancy remains a pathology with high mortality and morbidity rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina Pacu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Sf. Pantelimon’ Emergency Clinical Hospital, 021623 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nikolaos Zygouropoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Sf. Pantelimon’ Emergency Clinical Hospital, 021623 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian George Furau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arad County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 310037 Arad, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Vasile Goldis’ Western University of Arad, 310025 Arad, Romania
| | - Dan Navolan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Victor Babeș’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Timisoara Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300254 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Delia Mirela Tit
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Cringu A. Ionescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Sf. Pantelimon’ Emergency Clinical Hospital, 021623 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Pantea Stoian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, ‘N. C. Paulescu’ National Institute for Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 020475 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aida Petca
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Elias’ Emergency University Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Dimitriu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Carol Davila’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, ‘Sf. Pantelimon’ Emergency Clinical Hospital, 021623 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zelinka T, Petrák O, Rosa J, Holaj R, Štrauch B, Widimský J. Primary Aldosteronism and Pregnancy. Kidney Blood Press Res 2020; 45:275-285. [PMID: 32114578 DOI: 10.1159/000506287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Primary aldosteronism (PA) may present at younger age and may thus complicate pregnancy. Our aim was to identify female patients in whom PA was diagnosed after pregnancy complicated with hypertension and to analyze possible hypertension-related complications during pregnancy. METHODS We performed retrospective analysis of female patients with PA diagnosed and treated at our Department who were pregnant before the diagnosis of PA. RESULTS We found 14 patients with PA (age at diagnosis 32.2 ± 4.2 years, hypertension duration 5.4 ± 3.6 years) suffering from hypertension 3 (IQR 0, 4) years before pregnancy (6 patients had hypertension diagnosed during pregnancy). Three subjects were pregnant twice, and 1 patient had been pregnant three times before the final diagnosis of PA was made. Ten subjects delivered by Caesarean section (in 3 cases due to early-onset preeclampsia and 2 subjects due to significantly increased blood pressure), and 9 cases spontaneously (1 subject complicated twice due to late-onset preeclampsia). Preterm delivery occurred in 5 cases - the earliest one in the sixth month of gestation. Subsequent diagnosis of PA (sometimes with a long delay up to a maximum of 12 years) was made on the basis of significantly low potassium values (2.7 ± 0.4 mmol/L; 2 subjects even suffered from muscle cramps) and hypertension (mostly moderate), elevated plasma/serum aldosterone (54.1 ± 20.2 ng/dL) and suppressed plasma renin activity (0.4 ± 0.2 ng/mL/h) or plasma renin (1.9 ± 1.6 ng/L). Thirteen subjects underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy (in all but 2 cases, diagnosis of a large cortical adenoma [16 ± 5.9 mm] was made), and 1 subject was classified with bilateral hyperplasia according to adrenal venous sampling. Operation normalized BP in 10 subjects and improved BP control in the remaining 3 subjects. Two patients became pregnant after adrenalectomy, and their pregnancies were uneventful. CONCLUSION PA is associated with a high rate of pregnancy-related complications. The most frequent complication is preeclampsia, in some cases leading to preterm delivery. The optimal prevention of these complications is early diagnosis of PA, and in these particular hypertensive cases, the awareness of hypokalemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Zelinka
- Center for Hypertension, 3rd Medical Department - Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czechia,
| | - Ondřej Petrák
- Center for Hypertension, 3rd Medical Department - Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ján Rosa
- Center for Hypertension, 3rd Medical Department - Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Robert Holaj
- Center for Hypertension, 3rd Medical Department - Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Branislav Štrauch
- Center for Hypertension, 3rd Medical Department - Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| | - Jiří Widimský
- Center for Hypertension, 3rd Medical Department - Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, Prague, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Affiliation(s)
- Hartmut P H Neumann
- From the Section for Preventive Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany (H.P.H.N.); the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (W.F.Y.); and the Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, and Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland (C.E.)
| | - William F Young
- From the Section for Preventive Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany (H.P.H.N.); the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (W.F.Y.); and the Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, and Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland (C.E.)
| | - Charis Eng
- From the Section for Preventive Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany (H.P.H.N.); the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism, and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (W.F.Y.); and the Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, and Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland (C.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Pofi R, Tomlinson JW. Glucocorticoids in pregnancy. Obstet Med 2019; 13:62-69. [PMID: 32714437 DOI: 10.1177/1753495x19847832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological changes that occur during pregnancy include altered regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. The fetoplacental unit plays a major role in this, together with alteration of circulating cortisol-binding globulin levels, with a net effect to increase both total and free cortisol levels. Importantly, there are several pathological conditions that require steroid treatment or replacement during pregnancy, and optimizing therapy is clearly crucial. The potential for acute and chronic adverse effects that can impact upon both the mother and the fetus makes the decision of how and when to instigate steroid therapy particularly challenging. In this review, we describe the physio-pathological changes to the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis that occur during pregnancy, tools to assess endogenous glucocorticoid reserve as well as discuss treatment strategies and the potential for the development of adverse events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Pofi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Jeremy W Tomlinson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA), the most common form of secondary hypertension, can be either surgically cured or treated with targeted pharmacotherapy. PA is frequently undiagnosed and untreated, leading to aldosterone-specific cardiovascular morbidity and nephrotoxicity. Thus, clinicians should perform case detection testing for PA at least once in all patients with hypertension. Confirmatory testing is indicated in most patients with positive case detection testing results. The next step is to determine whether patients with confirmed PA have a disease that can be cured with surgery or whether it should be treated medically; this step is guided by computed tomography scan of the adrenal glands and adrenal venous sampling. With appropriate surgical expertise, laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy is safe, efficient and curative in patients with unilateral adrenal disease. In patients who have bilateral aldosterone hypersecretion, the optimal management is a low-sodium diet and lifelong treatment with a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist administered at a dosage to maintain a high-normal serum potassium concentration without the aid of oral potassium supplements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W F Young
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hami LT, Lampe B, Mallmann P, Forner DM. The Impact of Age on the Prognosis of Vulvar Cancer. Oncol Res Treat 2018; 41:520-524. [DOI: 10.1159/000488800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|