Pregnancy in a woman with secondary osteoporosis. A case report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is one of the most serious complications of prolonged (more than three months) systemic glucocorticoid therapy. Rapid bone loss occurs in the first months of treatment, which is a significant risk factor, especially during pregnancy and lactation. When taking systemic glucocorticoid therapy in a daily dose of 5 mg or more (in prednisone equivalent), the relative risk of vertebral fractures increases by 2.9 times. RESULTS: This article examines a clinical case of pregnancy and childbirth of 32-year-old woman diagnosed with secondary complicated osteoporosis during treatment with systemic glucocorticosteroids, who has a history of spine compression fractures during lactation after a previous pregnancy. Vitamin D deficiency was diagnosed and corrected during this pregnancy, which minimized the risk of fractures. A baby was delivered through the birth canal. Bisphosphonate therapy was started six months after birth. No new fractures were diagnosed within two years of observation. CONCLUSIONS: The approach to the management, diagnosis and delivery of pregnant patients with secondary osteoporosis treated long-term with glucocorticosteroids should be multidisciplinary. It is imperative to prescribe vitamin D and calcium preparations throughout pregnancy and lactation.