Cinacalcet for hyperparathyroidism in pregnancy and puerperium

The efficacy and safety of various modes of medical treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in pregnancy is largely unknown. This report describes two cases of PHPT in pregnancy that were temporarily treated with the calcimimetic cinacalcet. The first case was diagnosed in the 31st week of pregnancy. The patient was asymptomatic and had an albumin-corrected total calcium level (Ca(corr)) of 3.24 mmol/l. As serum calcium was only mildly elevated it was decided to postpone surgery to the postpartum period. Cinacalcet was started immediately after delivery to prevent a postpartum surge in serum calcium. The second patient presented with hypertension and symptomatic hypercalcemia (Ca(corr) 3.96 mmol/l) in the 32nd week of pregnancy. Surgery was postponed because of suspected pheochromocytoma. Treatment with a combination of cinacalcet and calcitonin reduced serum Ca(corr) to 3.0 mmol/l. This report describes the monitoring of mother and child, and explores the pros and cons of the use of calcimimetics during pregnancy and puerperium.