Indian Journal of Critical Care Case Report

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VOLUME 4 , ISSUE 1 ( January-February, 2025 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Metabolic Mysteries—Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Unveiling the Warburg Effect in Pregnancy: A Case Report

Atul K Patidar, Sulagna Bhattacharjee, Ravi Ranjan, Sudhir K Bisherwal

Keywords : Case report, Hypoglycemia, Lactic acidosis, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Citation Information : Patidar AK, Bhattacharjee S, Ranjan R, Bisherwal SK. Metabolic Mysteries—Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Unveiling the Warburg Effect in Pregnancy: A Case Report. 2025; 4 (1):5-7.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11006-0139

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 30-12-2024

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2025; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aims and background: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system. Pregnancy complicates cancer management due to potential risks to both the mother and the fetus. The aim of this report is to understand the specific interplay between pregnancy, NHL, and metabolic pathways, particularly glycolysis, which is not well-documented in the existing literature. Case description: This case involved a pregnant patient with NHL who had elevated lactate levels and persistent low blood sugar, despite being treated for a respiratory infection. It should be a consideration for individuals with hematologic malignancies who exhibit both type-B lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia. Initiation of chemotherapy in our case led to improvement in the patient's type-B lactic acidosis over the course of a few days. The uniqueness of this case lies in the metabolic behavior of cancer cells during pregnancy, specifically the reliance on glycolysis despite oxygen availability. The combination of NHL, pregnancy, and aberrant metabolic pathways distinguishes this case from typical presentations. Conclusion: The cancer cells in the patient exhibited glycolysis even when oxygen was available, leading to high lactate levels. This is known as the Warburg effect. The Warburg effect introduces a rare and intricate clinical challenge that demands prompt identification and intervention. Clinical significance: Elevated lactate levels in lymphoma patients are not always indicative of a poor outcome. This observation should be validated through studies involving a large number of patients to establish its significance.


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