Severe post-gastric bypass hypoglycemia in pregnancy

Summary: Post-bariatric surgery hypoglycemia (PBH) is a serious and relatively prevalent complication of bariatric surgery and is often underdiagnosed due to unawareness. PBH can have a profound effect on health and quality of life. Data regarding the natural history and management of PBH during pregnancy are lacking. Here we describe a case of a 34-year-old woman who presented with intractable PBH during the second trimester of her third pregnancy, three years after a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Treatment with nifedipine showed partial response and eventually intravenous (IV) glucose was needed until birth.

Automated summary

Post-bariatric surgery hypoglycemia (PBH) is a serious and relatively common complication of bariatric surgery, which is often underdiagnosed due to lack of awareness. PBH can have a profound impact on health and quality of life. Data on the natural history and management of PBH during pregnancy are limited.