Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome in pregnancy

Deepa Balachandran Nair; Mariana Bloomfield; Rajeswari Parasuraman; David T Howe

doi:10.1136/bcr-2020-235111

Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) syndrome in pregnancy

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Apr 7;14(4):e235111. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-235111.

Authors

Deepa Balachandran Nair^{1

2}, Mariana Bloomfield², Rajeswari Parasuraman³, David T Howe³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, UK manodeepam@hotmail.com.
² Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.
³ Wessex Fetal Medicine Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.

Abstract

The syndrome of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) is a rare mitochondrial disease with few documented cases in pregnancy. In this case report, we discuss the presentation and management of a 39-year-old grand multiparous lady with MELAS syndrome, which was diagnosed prior to her eighth pregnancy, discuss potential implications of the condition in pregnancy and summarise the current guidelines for the management of this rare condition.

Keywords: epilepsy and seizures; genetic screening / counselling; metabolic disorders; pregnancy; stroke.

Publication types

Case Reports

MeSH terms

Acidosis, Lactic* / diagnosis
Acidosis, Lactic* / etiology
Adult
Female
Humans
MELAS Syndrome* / complications
MELAS Syndrome* / diagnosis
Pregnancy
Stroke* / diagnosis
Stroke* / etiology