Prashanth Hospitals successfully Treats Pregnant Woman with Acute Pancreatitis Linked to Hypercalcemia and Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Chennai, November 2023 – Prashanth Hospitals, one of the leading super-speciality hospitals in Chennai is pleased to announce a remarkable medical achievement in successfully delivering twin babies for a woman with acute pancreatitis due to hypercalcemia – extreme high levels of calcium in the blood. The 28-year-old mother during her 11th week of pregnancy faced this life-threatening complication caused by primary hyperparathyroidism, attributed to a parathyroid adenoma.  In February 2023,  the patient approached the hospital with recurrent vomiting and epigastric pain, prompting immediate medical attention. Initial ultrasound findings and blood investigations indicated acute pancreatitis. The patient was quickly transferred to the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), a highly advanced and effective wing of the hospital. 

Further investigations revealed hypercalcemia, with a serum calcium level of 13.4 mg/dl, with normal being 8-10mg/dl. Possible causes were considered, including pregnancy-related factors, vitamin D supplementation, or parathyroid hormone-dependent hypercalcemia. To pinpoint the underlying cause, an intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level was measured and treatment, including intravenous fluids, calcitonin, and steroids was initiated while awaiting results.The diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism due to a parathyroid adenoma was confirmed through a combination of tests, including elevated urinary calcium levels and neck ultrasound. A multidisciplinary team determined that surgical intervention was necessary to resolve the hypercalcemia and the patient underwent a successful parathyroidectomy. 

Following the procedure, the patient’s condition improved, and she was discharged in stable health in March 2023.  She delivered healthy twin babies at Prashanth Hospitals in August 2023 through a lower C- section surgery, further highlighting the successful outcome of her treatment. The mother is perfectly healthy and the baby’s growth charts are normal currently.  

Dr. Ajith Kumar, Chief Intensivist at Prashanth Hospitals, commented, “I am extremely proud of my team’s timely intervention and thorough diagnostic approach, which helped in a favorable outcome for the twin babies and their mother. This was an extremely challenging case that underscores the importance of awareness and consideration of rare yet severe complications like acute pancreatitis caused by hypercalcemia during pregnancy. We successfully performed parathyroidectomy, resulting in the resolution of hypercalcemia in the patient.”

Dr. Prashanth Krishna, Managing Director of Prashanth Hospitals, emphasized the institution’s commitment to providing advanced healthcare, stating, “Prashanth Hospitals has taken up this challenging case owing to its expert team of doctors, advanced technology, and state-of-the-art capabilities. It is crucial for people to remain vigilant about abnormal medical conditions during pregnancy. 

In cases like these, a multidisciplinary approach involving different experts, namely Critical care specialists, Obstetricians, Endocrinologists, Nephrologists and Surgeons can significantly impact patient outcomes. “Prashanth Hospitals’ successful management of this case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. The hospital continues to prioritize patient care and medical excellence in addressing complex medical conditions during pregnancy.

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