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Differential Diagnosis Challenges in Osteomalacia and Pregnancy and Lactation Associated Osteoporosis: A Case Report

https://doi.org/10.14341/omet13254

Abstract

Pregnancy and lactation are accompanied by physiological changes in mineral-bone metabolism, aimed at meeting the needs of the developing fetus and newborn while maintaining the mother’s health. Due to these changes, particular attention should be paid to the consumption of calcium-rich foods, adequate intake of vitamin D, moderate physical activity, and sufficient sunlight exposure. Bone pathologies observed in the later stages of gestation often manifest with similar clinical symptoms, despite significant pathogenetic differences, which increases the risk of diagnostic and therapeutic errors. This article presents a clinical case of osteomalacia that likely developed long before pregnancy but was diagnosed only after prolonged treatment with anti-osteoporotic and anabolic therapy. The paper discusses the challenges of differential diagnosis between osteomalacia and pregnancy and lactation associated osteoporosis, emphasizing the importance of an interdisciplinary approach and the need to raise awareness among specialists, particularly radiologists, for the timely identification of the disease and the prescription of pathogenetically grounded treatment.

About the Authors

L. G. Ebanoidze
I.I. Dedov National Medical Research Center of Endocrinology
Russian Federation

Laura G. Ebanoidze, MD, postgraduate student

11 Dm.Ulyanova street, 117292 Moscow


Competing Interests:

none



I. A. Katsobashvili
I.I. Dedov National Medical Research Center of Endocrinology
Russian Federation

Ilana A. Katsobashvili - MD, postgraduate student.

Moscow


Competing Interests:

none



M. S. Berlovich
I.I. Dedov National Medical Research Center of Endocrinology
Russian Federation

Maria S. Berlovich - MD, clinical resident.

Moscow


Competing Interests:

none



E. A. Pigarova
I.I. Dedov National Medical Research Center of Endocrinology
Russian Federation

Ekaterina A. Pigarova - MD, PhD; Scopus Author ID: 55655098500; Researcher ID: T-9424-2018

Moscow


Competing Interests:

член редакционной коллегии журнала «Ожирение и метаболизм»



L. K. Dzeranova
I.I. Dedov National Medical Research Center of Endocrinology
Russian Federation

Larisa K. Dzeranova - MD, PhD.

Moscow


Competing Interests:

заведующий редакцией журнала «Ожирение и метаболизм»



S. Y. Vorotnikova
I.I. Dedov National Medical Research Center of Endocrinology
Russian Federation

Svetlana Y. Vorotnikova - MD, PhD.

Moscow


Competing Interests:

none



A. V. Khairieva
I.I. Dedov National Medical Research Center of Endocrinology
Russian Federation

Angelina V. Khairieva – MD.

Moscow


Competing Interests:

none



N. V. Tarbaeva
I.I. Dedov National Medical Research Center of Endocrinology
Russian Federation

Natalya V. Tarbaeva - MD, PhD.

Moscow


Competing Interests:

none



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Supplementary files

Review

For citations:


Ebanoidze L.G., Katsobashvili I.A., Berlovich M.S., Pigarova E.A., Dzeranova L.K., Vorotnikova S.Y., Khairieva A.V., Tarbaeva N.V. Differential Diagnosis Challenges in Osteomalacia and Pregnancy and Lactation Associated Osteoporosis: A Case Report. Obesity and metabolism. 2025;22(2):138-144. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.14341/omet13254

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ISSN 2071-8713 (Print)
ISSN 2306-5524 (Online)