Challenges in the management of hypercalcemia in pregnancy – Case report of two cases

Abstract

Hypercalcemia in pregnancy is rare and can pose a great diagnostic challenge due to its asymptomatic presentation. It is associated with maternal complications such as urolithiasis, pancreatitis, renal insufficiency and preeclampsia, fetal complications such as growth restriction and intrauterine fetal demise, and neonatal complications such as neonatal hypocalcemia, tetany and hypoparathyroidism. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of hypercalcemia is important. Two cases of hypercalcemia in pregnancy were encountered over 12 months. Both presented asymptomatically in the first trimester and were associated with hyperparathyroidism and hypertensive disease in current and previous gestations. Genetic testing ruled out familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, and both women required surgical management in the second trimester for control of hypercalcemia. The literature on the diagnosis and management of hypercalcemia in pregnancy is reviewed, and the challenges and pitfalls are discussed. Hypercalcemia in pregnancy requires a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis, and young women with unexplained hypertension in early pregnancy should be investigated for secondary causes, including hypercalcemia and primary hyperparathyroidism. Management of hypercalcemia secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism requires multidisciplinary team management, and surgery should be considered if the patient has not responded to conservative measures, ideally in the second trimester.