[Pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Orthopedics
• Obstetrics

Background:

• Pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis (PLO) is a rare condition affecting women in late pregnancy or postpartum.
• It often presents with severe low back or hip pain, vertebral fractures, and can lead to postpartum depression.
• Over 100 cases have been published, highlighting its infrequent but significant impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the 16-year clinical course of a patient diagnosed with PLO.
• To illustrate the effectiveness of multimodal therapy in managing PLO symptoms and complications.
• To provide insights into the long-term outcomes of PLO treatment.

Main Methods:

• A case study detailing the 16-year progression of a 37-year-old female patient with PLO.
• The patient experienced 6 vertebral fractures and significant physical and mental limitations.
• Treatment involved a multimodal approach including bisphosphonates, physiotherapy, and psychotherapy.

Main Results:

• The patient received a diagnosis 5 months after symptom onset.
• Following multimodal therapy, no further fractures occurred over the subsequent 16 years.
• Significant improvements in both physical function and mental well-being were observed.

Conclusions:

• Multimodal therapy, including bisphosphonates, is an effective long-term treatment strategy for pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis.
• Prompt diagnosis and comprehensive management can lead to substantial recovery and improved quality of life for PLO patients.
• Long-term follow-up is crucial for managing the physical and mental health challenges associated with PLO.