Women With Chronic Hypoparathyroidism Have Low Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes

Pregnancy, delivery and neonatal outcomes among women with hypoparathyroidism-A population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Data are inconclusive regarding pregnancy complications associated with maternal chronic hypoparathyroidism. Therefore, we aimed to compare pregnancy, delivery and neonatal outcomes in patients affected by chronic hypoparathyroidism to those without chronic hypoparathyroidism.

DESIGN

A retrospective population-based study utilising data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample (HCUP-NIS) database over 11 years from 2004 to 2014 inclusively. Multivariate logistic regression was used to control for confounders.

PATIENTS

Patients with chronic hypoparathyroidism compared with those without.

MEASUREMENTS

Obstetric and neonatal outcomes.

RESULTS

We identified 204 pregnancies in mothers with chronic hypoparathyroidism and 9,096,584 pregnancies without chronic hypoparathyroidism. After adjusting for age, insurance plan type, obesity, chronic hypertension, thyroid disease, pregestational diabetes mellitus, and previous caesarean section, patients in the hypoparathyroidism group, compared with those without hypoparathyroidism, were found to have an increased rate of preterm birth (<37 weeks) (19.1% vs. 7.2%, aOR: 2.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74-3.54, p < 0.0001, respectively); and blood transfusions (4.9% vs. 1.0%, aOR: 4.07, 95% CI: 2.15-7.73, p < -0.0001). Neonates to mothers with chronic hypoparathyroidism had a higher rate of congenital anomalies (4.4% vs. 0.4%, aOR: 6.50, 95% CI: 3.31-12.75, p < 0.0001), with comparable rates of small-for-gestational-age neonates and intrauterine foetal death.

CONCLUSION

This is the largest study of chronic hypoparathyroidism in pregnancy to date. We found significant increases in the rates of preterm birth, blood transfusions and congenital anomalies in chronic hypoparathyroidism. Our findings highlight the importance of identifying chronic hypoparathyroidism as a risk factor for pregnancy and neonatal complications, although it remains unknown if maintaining calcium in the target range will mitigate these risks.

Exploring the Potential of Olfactory Receptor Circulating RNA Measurement for Preeclampsia Prediction and Its Linkage to Mild Gestational Hypothyroidism

Gestational hypothyroidism may lead to preeclampsia development. However, this pathophysiological is unknown. We expect to find a shared mechanism by comparing hypothyroidism and preeclampsia. From our transcriptome data, we recognized olfactory receptors as that fingerprint. The reduction of taste and smell in hypothyroid patients has been known for a long time. Therefore, we decided to look to the olfactory receptors and aimed to identify genes capable of predicting preeclampsia (PEC). Methods: An Ion Proton Sequencer (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) was used to construct the transcriptome databases. RStudio with packages Limma v.3.50.0, GEOquery v.2.62.2, and umap v.0.2.8.8 were used to analyze the differentially expressed genes in GSE149440 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The 7500 Real-Time PCR System (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA, USA) was used for RT-qPCR amplification of OR6X1 and OR4E2. Results: Our transcriptomic datasets analysis revealed 25.08% and 26.75% downregulated olfactory receptor (ORs) in mild nontreated gestational hypothyroidism (GHT) and PEC, respectively. In the GSE149440 GEO dataset, we found OR5H1, OR5T3, OR51A7, OR51B6, OR10J5, OR6C6, and OR2AG2 as predictors of early-onset PEC. We also evaluate two chosen biomarkers' responses to levothyroxine. The RT-qPCR demonstrated a difference in OR6X1 and OR4E2 expression between GHT and healthy pregnancy (p < 0.05). Those genes presented a negative correlation with TSH (r: -0.51, p < 0.05; and r: -0.44, p < 0.05), a strong positive correlation with each other (r: 0.89; p < 0.01) and the levothyroxine-treated group had no difference from the healthy one. We conclude that ORs could be used as biomarkers at the beginning of gestation, and the downregulated ORs found in GHT may be improved with levothyroxine treatment.

Expert consensus on multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy in China

Primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy is a rare disease that can have detrimental effects on both maternal and fetal/neonatal outcomes. The physiological changes that occur during pregnancy can complicate the diagnosis, imaging examinations, and treatment of this disorder. To enhance our understanding and management of primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy, experts from various fields, including endocrinology, obstetrics, surgery, ultrasonography, nuclear medicine, pediatrics, nephrology, and general practice in China, collaborated to develop a consensus addressing the critical aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy with a multidisciplinary team approach. This consensus provides valuable guidance for healthcare professionals in managing this condition, ultimately improving outcomes for both mothers and their babies.

Approach to the patient: Management of parathyroid diseases across pregnancy

Taking care of patients with parathyroid disorders during pregnancy requires consideration of the physiological fundamental changes in bone and mineral metabolism occurring in these women. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures regarding primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and hypoparathyroidism significantly differ from the non-pregnant population. PHPT should preferably be cured by parathyroidectomy before pregnancy as in women with hypercalcemic PHPT, maternal and fetal pregnancy complications seem to increase according to the degree of hypercalcemia. Parathyroidectomy, if needed during pregnancy, is preferentially performed in the second trimester. Conservative treatment is recommended for milder cases and is mainly restricted to hydration with only limited evidence regarding drug treatment. Women with hypoparathyroidism can be informed that there are no major concerns regarding disease associated infertility and that the risk of pregnancy complications is low if the disease is properly managed. Regular active surveillance is recommended as requirements for calcium and active vitamin D may change during the course of pregnancy in either direction, with an overall trend for rather reduced doses. Any woman suffering from parathyroid disorders during pregnancy requires further surveillance in the postpartum period and during lactation, as there is an increased risk of hypercalcemia after delivery. Newborns of mothers with parathyroid diseases should, depending on disease severity, be carefully monitored for calcium levels in the first days (to weeks) after delivery as intrauterine exposure to hyper- or hypocalcemia may impact their postnatal regulation of calcium metabolism.

Subcutaneous infusion of rhPTH 1-34 during pregnancy and nursing in a woman with autosomal dominant hypoparathyroidism 1

We report a successful pregnancy in a young woman with autosomal dominant hypoparathyroidism type 1 (ADH1) due to an activating mutation of the calcium sensing receptor (CASR) (c.2519C>T; p.Ala840Val) who was treated with recombinant human parathyroid hormone (rhPTH)^1-34 delivered via continuous subcutaneous infusion using an OmniPod pump. She experienced no tetany or hospitalizations during the pregnancy. Serum calcium levels ranged from 7.2 to 9.8 mg/dL. Due to mild preeclampsia, her infant was delivered at 37 weeks. There were no physical anomalies. The patient continued pump therapy while nursing her daughter, who was ultimately confirmed to have the same CASR mutation. Breastfeeding appeared to protect the infant from significant hypocalcemia without the need for calcium or calcitriol supplementation until weaning at a year of age. A role for parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is suggested.

European Expert Consensus on Practical Management of Specific Aspects of Parathyroid Disorders in Adults and in Pregnancy: Recommendations of the ESE Educational Program of Parathyroid Disorders

This European expert consensus statement provides recommendations for the diagnosis and management of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), chronic hypoparathyroidism in adults (HypoPT), and parathyroid disorders in relation to pregnancy and lactation. Specified areas of interest and unmet needs identified by experts at the second ESE Educational Program of Parathyroid Disorders (PARAT) in 2019, were discussed during two virtual workshops in 2021, and subsequently developed by working groups with interest in the specified areas. PHPT is a common endocrine disease. However, its differential diagnosing to familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia (FHH), the definition and clinical course of normocalcemic PHPT, and the optimal management of its recurrence after surgery represent areas of uncertainty requiring clarifications. HypoPT is an orphan disease characterized by low calcium concentrations due to insufficient PTH secretion, most often secondary to neck surgery. Prevention and prediction of surgical injury to the parathyroid glands are essential to limit the disease-related burden. Long-term treatment modalities including the place for PTH replacement therapy and the optimal biochemical monitoring and imaging surveillance for complications to treatment in chronic HypoPT, need to be refined. The physiological changes in calcium metabolism occurring during pregnancy and lactation modify the clinical presentation and management of parathyroid disorders in these periods of life. Modern interdisciplinary approaches to PHPT and HypoPT in pregnant and lactating women and their newborns children are proposed. The recommendations on clinical management presented here will serve as background for further educational material aimed for a broader clinical audience, and were developed with focus on endocrinologists in training.

Pregnancy Outcome in Women With APECED (APS-1): A Multicenter Study on 43 Females With 83 Pregnancies

CONTEXT

Autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED; also known as autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1) has a severe, unpredictable course. Autoimmunity and disease components may affect fertility and predispose to maternal and fetal complications, but pregnancy outcomes remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To assess fetal and maternal outcomes and course of clinical APECED manifestations during pregnancy in women with APECED.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A multicenter registry-based study including 5 national patient cohorts.

PATIENTS

321 females with APECED.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Number of pregnancies, miscarriages, and deliveries.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients had altogether 83 pregnancies at median age of 27 years (range, 17-39). Sixty (72%) pregnancies led to a delivery, including 2 stillbirths (2.4%) and 5 (6.0%) preterm livebirths. Miscarriages, induced abortions, and ectopic pregnancies were observed in 14 (17%), 8 (10%), and 1 (1.2%) pregnancies, respectively. Ovum donation resulted in 5 (6.0%) pregnancies. High maternal age, premature ovarian insufficiency, primary adrenal insufficiency, or hypoparathyroidism did not associate with miscarriages. Women with livebirth had, on average, 4 APECED manifestations (range 0-10); 78% had hypoparathyroidism, and 36% had primary adrenal insufficiency. APECED manifestations remained mostly stable during pregnancy, but in 1 case, development of primary adrenal insufficiency led to adrenal crisis and stillbirth. Birth weights were normal in >80% and apart from 1 neonatal death of a preterm baby, no serious perinatal complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcome of pregnancy in women with APECED was generally favorable. However, APECED warrants careful maternal multidisciplinary follow-up from preconceptual care until puerperium.