A systematic review of pathophysiology and management of familial hyperaldosteronism type 1 in pregnancy

Purpose: Familial hyperaldosteronism type 1 (FH-1) is a rare autosomal dominant form of primary aldosteronism, which features a marked phenotypic heterogeneity, ranging from mild to severe forms of arterial hypertension that can be complicated by stroke and cardiovascular events at a young age. As affected patients usually reach the fertile age, transmission of the disease to offspring is common. Notwithstanding this, reports of FH-1 in pregnancy are limited and there is a lack of treatment guidelines. Methods and results: We searched the PubMed and EuropePMC databases with a PICO strategy to retrieve available information on management of FH-1 patients during pregnancy. We could identify seven relevant articles, which are herein reviewed. Conclusion: Based on available information on pathophysiology and treatment of FH-1 in pregnancy, recommendations for the rational management of FH-1 in pregnancy are provided.