Turkish Neurosurgery
Management of Pregnancy- and Lactation-Related Osteoporosis: Case Series
Murat Hamit Aytar1, Ece Özcan Ekşi2, Murat Şakir Ekşi3, Elvan Cevizci Akkılıç4, Zehra Serpil Ustalar Özgen5, Serdar Özgen3
1Vocational School of Health Services, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, Department of First Aid and Reanimation, İstanbul,
2Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, İstanbul,
3School of Medicine, Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, Department of Neurosurgery, İstanbul,
4Acıbadem Kozyatağı Hospital, Department of Neurology, İstanbul,
5Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, İstanbul,
DOI: 10.5137/1019-5149.JTN.36058-21.1

Aim:Pregnancy- and lactation-related osteoporosis (PLRO) is a rare transient osteoporosis causing severe low back pain and morbidity in the last trimester of pregnancy and in the postpartum period. The etiology of PLRO is still unclear. We aimed to share our experience regarding management and follow-up of patients with PLRO who were effectively treated. Material and Methods:In this case series, we presented 10 patients who were diagnosed with PLRO and treated from January 2010 to December 2020. VAS scale and laboratory findings were evaluated. Spinal and extremity magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained for patients with spinal and extremity pains. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was used for the measurement of bone mineral density. Values assessed on dual energy X-ray absorptiometry were L1-L4 T score, L2-L4 T score and femoral neck T score. Results:In the first-month follow-ups, all patients had meaningful pain relief and symptom resolution. The mean duration of pain control during the treatment period was 2.4 months. Two patients who continued breastfeeding were also the patients whose pain control was achieved at the latest. One patient required vertebroplasty surgery. Conclusion:Patients with PLRO should be promptly treated and followed-up. Discontinuation of breastfeeding will provide rapid advantage and should be the first step of the management. Early diagnosis and treatment of Calcium and Vitamin D with conservative procedures with spinal braces are very important for the treatment of PLRO patients. Additionally, bisphosphonates or teriparatide can improved the bone mineral density in patients with PLRO.

Corresponding author : Murat Hamit Aytar