PCSK9 inhibitor use during pregnancy in a case of familial hypercholesterolemia complicated with coronary artery disease

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2024 Jan;50(1):128-132. doi: 10.1111/jog.15813. Epub 2023 Oct 19.

Abstract

Limited data have been reported on the use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK 9) inhibitors during pregnancy in women with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Here, we present the first case of initiating evolocumab (PCSK9 inhibitor) in a compound heterozygous FH mother. The patient was a 34-year-old primipara with severe dyslipidemia and a history of coronary artery bypass surgery. An elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level of 420 mg/dL was detected in the first trimester and persistently increased throughout pregnancy. Evolocumab was administered at 31 and 35 weeks of gestation, showing a positive effect on stabilizing LDL-C levels. Planned delivery with labor analgesia was performed at 38 + 4 weeks. Both the mother and infant were discharged without any notable complications. Hence, evolocumab, an IgG2 monochromatic antibody with little placental permeability, may be an alternative medication with limited influence on infants. Further studies are needed to assess the safety of evolocumab administration during pregnancy.

Keywords: PCSK9 inhibitor; evolocumab; familial hypercholesterolemia; lipoprotein apheresis; pregnancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Cholesterol, LDL / therapeutic use
  • Coronary Artery Disease* / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II* / complications
  • Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II* / drug therapy
  • PCSK9 Inhibitors
  • Placenta
  • Pregnancy
  • Proprotein Convertase 9 / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • PCSK9 Inhibitors
  • PCSK9 protein, human
  • Proprotein Convertase 9
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal