Metabolic management of a successful pregnancy and postpartum complications in fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase deficiency

Abstract

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) deficiency is a rare, inborn error of metabolism, that causes hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis in response to inadequate glucose intake and/or high intakes of fructose, sucrose, or sorbitol. Pregnancy in women with FBPase deficiency puts them at high risk for metabolic decompensation due to increased glucose demands from the growing fetus. Here we report a 31-year-old primipara who was treated starting at 14 weeks gestation with a diet high in complex carbohydrates and low in fructose, sucrose, and sorbitol and close monitoring of glucose levels throughout her pregnancy. She delivered a healthy 2860 g baby at 37 weeks via vaginal delivery with no complications or hypoglycemia. At 5 months postpartum and 5 months of life, the patient and baby are doing well, although the patient experienced an episode of hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis at 4 months postpartum due to the increased metabolic demands of breastfeeding. This report adds to the limited case reports that discuss outcomes and proposed interventions during pregnancy in individuals with FBPase deficiency.