MULTIFACETED EVALUATION OF 72 PATIENTS WITH PITUITARY FAILURE

Abstract

Objective. We aimed to reach a diagnosis for patients with pituitary failure (PF) with more detailed multifaceted examination, to obtain new gains in this way and to apply this experience to our future patients.

Patients and Method. The study included 72 patients with pituitary failure diagnosis. Patients were divided into two groups of 32 female patients with Sheehan syndrome (SS) and 40 non-Sheehan syndrome patients (20 female and 20 male).

Results. The mean age of the 32 patients with Sheehan syndrome was 56.1 +/- 11.7 years with mean disease duration 20.3 +/- 8.3 years and mean age at disease onset 34.3 +/- 7.6 years. For the 40 non-SS pituitary failure patients mean age was 46.5 +/- 16.6 years, mean disease duration was 4.7 +/- 5.1 years and mean age at disease onset was 41.8 +/- 18.2 years. The prolactin response PRL) on the TRH test was found to be significantly lower in SS patients compared to non-SS patients(p<0.05). Both patient groups had low basal pituitary hormones, with mean PRL level in SS patients 4.9 +/- 4.0 ng/mL which was significantly low compared to non-SS patients with 36.8 +/- 84.7 ng/mL(p=0.022).

Conclusion. Pituitary failure patients may present with a broad range of clinical symptoms and findings. Early diagnosis and timely replacement treatment have vital importance for SS patients.