Case Report: Recurrent gestation-limited intractable abdominal colic with elevated phthalate and paraben biomarkers: a hypothesis-generating observation - Summary - MDSpire

Case Report: Recurrent gestation-limited intractable abdominal colic with elevated phthalate and paraben biomarkers: a hypothesis-generating observation

  • By

  • Suling Sun

  • Yadan Zou

  • Xiangyuan Liu

  • Sheng-Guang Li

  • July 13, 2026

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Objective:

To explore the association between recurrent pregnancy-related abdominal colic and elevated biomarkers of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in a patient with a history of multiple pregnancy terminations due to severe abdominal pain.

Approach:
  • Intervention: A multidomain preconception program was implemented to address EDC exposure, metabolic factors, immune-vascular factors, nutritional deficits, and gut dysbiosis.
Key Findings:
  • The patient experienced recurrent severe abdominal colic linked to elevated biomarkers of phthalates and parabens.
  • Extensive diagnostic evaluations did not reveal a conventional cause for the abdominal pain.
  • Post-intervention, the patient had a successful pregnancy without recurrence of symptoms.
Interpretation:

This case suggests a link between elevated EDC biomarkers and pregnancy-specific gastrointestinal symptoms.

Limitations:
  • Biomarkers were not measured during prior symptomatic pregnancies, limiting the ability to establish causality.
  • The multifactorial nature of the intervention complicates the isolation of the impact of reduced EDC exposure.
Conclusion:

This case highlights the importance of exposure history and biomonitoring in patients with unexplained pregnancy-related morbidity.

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