Management of Pregnancy in a Patient with Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Previous Myocardial Infarction-Treatment

Milos Milincic1, Jovana Todorovic2,3, Stefan Dugalic1,2

  • 1Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.

Reports (MDPI)
|July 29, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This case study shows that LDL apheresis is a safe and effective treatment for homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy, ensuring the health of both mother and baby.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Genetics
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder causing high LDL-C, increasing cardiovascular risks.
  • Pregnancy in FH patients presents challenges due to elevated cardiovascular disease risks.

Observation:

  • A 38-year-old woman with homozygous FH (HoFH), ischemic cardiomyopathy, and angina was pregnant.
  • Statins were stopped for pregnancy planning, leading to elevated lipids.

Findings:

  • LDL apheresis was initiated, reducing LDL-C by 60%.
  • 16 sessions of LDL apheresis every 14 days maintained optimal lipid profiles throughout pregnancy.
  • A healthy infant was delivered via cesarean section at 38 weeks.

Implications:

  • LDL apheresis is a feasible and safe therapeutic option for managing HoFH during pregnancy.
  • This approach ensures maternal and fetal well-being in high-risk pregnancies.
  • Further research into novel treatments for FH in pregnancy is warranted.

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