Case Report on Choline Levels in a Pregnant Woman with Bipolar Disorder
Author Information
Author(s): Maxine Gossell-Williams, Horace Fletcher, Steven H Zeisel
Primary Institution: University of the West Indies, Jamaica
Hypothesis
The pharmacological management of bipolar affective disorder during pregnancy may affect plasma choline and phosphatidylcholine concentrations.
Conclusion
The study found unexpected depletion of plasma choline and phosphatidylcholine in a pregnant woman with bipolar disorder, which could be linked to her medication.
Supporting Evidence
- The patient had a ten-year history of bipolar affective disorder.
- Plasma concentrations of choline and phosphatidylcholine are typically increased during pregnancy.
- The patient experienced low placental weight and low infant birth weight.
Takeaway
A pregnant woman with bipolar disorder had lower levels of important nutrients than expected, which might be due to her medications.
Methodology
The study involved monitoring plasma concentrations of choline and phosphatidylcholine during the three trimesters of pregnancy.
Limitations
The study lacked dietary intake information, which could have influenced the results.
Participant Demographics
The participant was a 25-year-old pregnant woman with a ten-year history of bipolar affective disorder.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website