[Starvation ketosis in a breastfeeding woman]

Rev Med Interne. 2015 Dec;36(12):854-8. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2015.03.011. Epub 2015 Apr 23.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Bovine ketosis is a rare cause of metabolic acidosis. It is a starvation ketosis that appears in lactating woman.

Case report: A 29-year-old woman had a previous gastric surgery one month ago while breastfeeding her 6-month child. She presented to emergency with dyspnea, fatigue, weight loss and anorexia. The explorations revealed a serious metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap, for which all other causes have been eliminated.

Conclusion: A restrictive diet in lactating patients is a major risk of ketosis or bovine ketosis. Medico-surgical treatment of obesity during lactation seems unreasonable. Breastfeeding should be systematically sought before a medical and surgical management of obesity. With the spread of bariatric surgery, starvation ketosis is a cause of metabolic acidosis not to ignore.

Keywords: Allaitement; Bovine ketosis; Breastfeeding; Chirurgie bariatrique; Cétose de jeûne; Gastric surgery; Starvation ketosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bariatric Surgery
  • Breast Feeding*
  • Fasting
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ketosis* / diagnosis
  • Ketosis* / etiology
  • Lactation / metabolism*
  • Postoperative Complications* / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications* / etiology