Uncontrolled Acute Intermittent Porphyria as a Cause of Spontaneous Abortion

Med Arch. 2020 Apr;74(2):153-155. doi: 10.5455/medarh.2020.74.153-155.

Abstract

Introduction: The association of acute intermitetn porphyria (AIP) with pregnancy and as a cause of spontaneous abortion is rare.

Aim: To show a case of AIP known before pregnancy in a patient who had a spontaneous abortion.

Case report: A gynecologist examined 26-year-old patient in the 8th week of gestation, due to initial spontaneous abortion, abdominal pain, constipation, muscle weakness, vomiting and dark colour of urine. Her therapy was dydrogesterone. In consultation with an anesthesiologist, a short intravenous anesthesia, vacuum aspiration, and curettage were performed.During hospitalization, the patient ceased to take harmful drugs and she was given haemarginate, glucose and symptomatic drugs, and she recovered completely.

Conclusion: Treatment of threatened spontaneous abortion in AIP remains the subject of dilemma and controversy, and future research is needed.

Keywords: Abortion; Contraceptives; Hormonal; Oral; Porphyrias; Spontaneous.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Spontaneous / etiology*
  • Abortion, Spontaneous / therapy
  • Adult
  • Aminolevulinic Acid / urine
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / adverse effects
  • Disease Progression
  • Dydrogesterone / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Porphobilinogen / urine
  • Porphyria, Acute Intermittent / complications*
  • Porphyria, Acute Intermittent / therapy
  • Pregnancy
  • Progestins / adverse effects
  • Vacuum Curettage

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal
  • Progestins
  • Porphobilinogen
  • Aminolevulinic Acid
  • Dydrogesterone