Kleine-Levin syndrome related to pregnancy: a case report

J Clin Sleep Med. 2021 Nov 1;17(11):2325-2327. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.9482.

Abstract

Kleine-Levin syndrome (KLS) is a rare disorder of recurrent hypersomnolence. The pathophysiology continues to be poorly understood. Autoimmunity, genetic polymorphisms, dysfunction of the hypothalamic axis, and abnormalities in functional imaging have been proposed. Several triggers have been described, including infection, toxins, head trauma, sleep deprivation, lactation, and menses. We present the first case report in the medical literature of KLS triggered by pregnancy and the first case of KLS from Armenia. Our patient has a pattern of mostly pregnancy-related episodes of several day sleepiness occurring monthly. This case adds to the published literature as we present a new association and explore the pathophysiology of KLS.

Citation: Khachatryan SG, Lastra AC, Vardanyan LV, Khachatryan LG, Attarian HP. Kleine-Levin syndrome related to pregnancy: a case report. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(11):2325-2327.

Keywords: KLS; Kleine-Levin syndrome; lactation; menstrual-related hypersomnia; pregnancy; recurrent hypersomnia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Disorders of Excessive Somnolence*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kleine-Levin Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Pregnancy
  • Rare Diseases