Does Postpartum Hypopituitarism Influence the Craniofacial Pattern? A Case-Control Study with Sheehan's Syndrome Patients

This study aimed to assess the craniofacial morphologic aspects of Sheehan's syndrome (SHS) patients.An observational study was performed with 19 women diagnosed with SHS and 19 controls matched by age and sex. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were obtained, and 30 linear and angular measurements were analyzed using the Radiocef Studio 2 software. The mean age of patients was 65.47 ± 10.19 years. The main findings were propositioned maxilla (52.63 %) and mandible (52.63 %) relative to the cranial base, mandibular prognathism in 73.68 %, deep growth pattern in 42.1 %, increased mandibular plane in 36.84 %, and reduction in anterior facial height. The SHS group showed statistically significant differences in SNB (p=0.026), N-Me (p=0.006), soft palate length (p=0.011), and Ena-Me (p<0.001) in comparison with controls. The standard deviation score analysis revealed altered values in relation to total maxillary and mandibular lengths. SHS showed altered craniofacial morphology, characterized by maxillo- mandibular prognathism, brachyfacial type, increased mandibular plane, and reduction in soft palate length. This study reports novel findings in SHS.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar los aspectos morfológicos craneofaciales de los pacientes con síndrome de Sheehan (SHS). Se realizó un estudio observacional con 19 mujeres diagnosticadas con SHS y 19 controles asociados por edad y sexo. Se obtuvieron radiografías cefalométricas laterales y se analizaron 30 medidas lineales y angulares mediante el software Radiocef Studio 2. La edad media de los pacientes fue de 65,47 ± 10,19 años. Los principales hallazgos fueron proposición maxilar (52,63 %) y mandíbula (52,63 %) con respecto a la base del cráneo, prognatismo mandibular en 73,68 %, patrón de crecimiento profundo en 42,1 %, aumento del plano mandibular en 36,84 % y reducción de la altura facial anterior. El grupo SHS mostró diferencias estadísticamente significativas en SNB (p=0,026), N-Me (p=0,006), longitud del paladar blando (p=0,011) y Ena-Me (p<0,001) en comparación con los controles. El análisis de la puntuación de la desviación estándar reveló valores alterados en relación con las longitudes maxilares y mandibulares totales. El SHS mostró una morfología craneofacial alterada, caracterizada por prognatismo maxilomandibular, tipo braquifacial, aumento del plano mandibular y reducción de la longitud del velo del paladar. Este estudio informa hallazgos novedosos en SHS.

Crisis adrenal asociada al uso de modafinilo / Adrenal crisis associated with modafinil use

Resumen La crisis adrenal es la forma más extrema de presentación de la insuficiencia adrenal y representa una urgencia endocrinológica que llega a poner en riesgo la vida. Esta situación puede ser des encadenada por diferentes causas, entre las cuales se incluye el uso de fármacos inductores del CYP3A4, que aceleran la depuración de la hidrocortisona. Describimos el caso de una mujer de 85 años, con antecedentes de insuficiencia adrenal secundaria y enfermedad renal crónica, que presentó síntomas compatibles con crisis adrenal (astenia, adinamia, hiponatremia grave con síntomas neurológicos e hipotensión arterial) luego de nueve días del inicio de tratamiento con modafinilo. El cuadro clínico mejoró rápidamente con la suspensión del modafinilo y la administración de hidrocortisona endovenosa. Luego de descartar las posibles causas desencadenantes (infecciosas, isquémicas, tromboembolismo pulmonar y omisión en la toma de hidrocortisona), se interpretó que el modafinilo precipitó los síntomas de insuficiencia adrenal al aumentar la depuración del corticoide. El modafinilo tiene la capacidad de inducir la actividad del CYP3A4 y, en consecuencia, disminuir la biodisponibilidad de la hidrocortisona. Recalcamos la necesidad de ajustar la dosis de reemplazo de corticoides en sujetos que reciben fármacos inductores del metabolismo.

Abstract Adrenal crisis is the most extreme presentation form of adrenal insufficiency and represents a life-threatening endocrinological emergency. This situation can be triggered by different causes including the use of CYP3A4-inducing drugs, which accelerate hydrocortisone clearance. We describe the case of an 85-year-old woman with secondary adrenal insufficiency and chronic renal disease, who presented symptoms compatible with adrenal crisis (asthenia, adynamia, severe hyponatremia associated with neurological symptoms and hypotension) nine days after the start of modafinil treat ment. The clinical picture improved rapidly with the suspension of modafinil and the administration of intravenous hydrocortisone. After ruling out the possible triggering causes (infectious, ischemic, pulmonary thromboembo lism and failure to take hydrocortisone), it was interpreted that modafinil precipitated the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency by increasing the steroid clearance. Modafinil has the ability to induce the activity of CYP3A4 and consequently decrease the bioavailability of hydrocortisone. We emphasize the need to adjust steroid dose re placement in subjects receiving metabolism-inducing drugs.

Post-partum recurrent hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia can be effortless to treat. Its evaluation on the other hand, needs a thorough appraisal. The studied patient had recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia post-delivery which were unprovoked. These conspicuous episodes of hypoglycemia prompted an evaluation and a swift arrival at the diagnosis. In hindsight, she had multiple, typical risk factors predisposing her to develop a Sheehan’s syndrome. This was an acute presentation of a familiar disease

Nursing care of a case of Sheehan syndrome with huge four stages of stress injury / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To summarize the nursing care of one case of Sheehan syndrome with huge four stages of stress injury. Methods For 1 case Sheehan syndrome with huge four stages pressure ulcers,on local wound,dynamically adjust the treatment plan according to the wound assessment situation, and by applying the theory of PDCA and wet healing throughout.At the same time,observation patient's condition carefully and supervision of drug effect, the implementation of specialized subject catheter nursing, nutritional support, overall nursing measures, such as vacuum treatment and psychological intervention and after discharge to special care and guidance were performed. Results The patient was discharged from the hospital 115 d and healed 336 d. Conclusions The nursing and treatment for the patient with Sheehan syndrome with huge four stages of stress injury can consolidate the basic knowledge of nursing staff, improve nursing skills, increase nursing dressing technology, provide a theoretical basis and practical experience for clinical nursing work.

The research for levels of thyroid hormone in patients with Sheehan′s syndrome / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To research the levels of thyroid hormone in patients with Sheehan′s syndrome .Methods The difference of thyroid‐stimulating hormone(TSH) or free triiodothyronine(fT3 ) or free thyroxine(fT4 ) levels was compared between 100 pa‐tients with sheehan′s syndrome and 100 cases of female healthy controls included in this study .The difference for TSH or fT3 or fT4 levels was compared between before and after treatment in Sheehan′s syndrome patients .The difference of TSH or fT3 or fT4 levels was compared when time from a large bleeding to disease onset below 1 year ,1‐5 years and over 5 years respectively in Shee‐han′s syndrome patients .Results The difference of TSH or fT3 or fT4 levels between patients with Sheehan′s syndrome and female healthy controls had obvious statistical significance .TSH :1 .60(0 .79 -2 .86)mU/L versus 3 .08(1 .97 -5 .08)mU/L ,fT3 :2 .09 (1 .44-3 .69)pmol/L versus 4 .86(4 .49-5 .40)pmol/L ,fT4 :8 .01(3 .45 -12 .64)pmol/L versus 14 .56(13 .63 -16 .11)pmol/L (P<0 .001 for comparisons respectively) .The difference of TSH or fT3 or fT4 levels between before and after treatment had obvi‐ous statistical significance .TSH :1 .60(0 .79-2 .86)mU/L versus 1 .16(0 .57-2 .11)mU/L ,fT3 :2 .09(1 .44-3 .69)pmol/L versus 3 .27(2 .38-4 .11)pmol/L ,fT4 :8 .01(3 .45 -12 .64)pmol/L versus 14 .32(10 .48 -15 .92)pmol/L(P<0 .05 for comparisons re‐spectively) .Time from a large bleeding to disease onset were below 1 year ,1-5 years and over 5 years ,TSH levels were respective‐ly 2 .85(2 .21-3 .51)、1 .82(1 .24-2 .98) and 1 .52(0 .65-2 .64)mU/L(P<0 .05 for comparisons) .The fT3 levels were respective‐ly 3 .74(2 .24-4 .45) ,2 .54(1 .87-3 .32) and 1 .89(1 .13-3 .11)pmol/L(P<0 .05 for comparisons) .The fT4 levels were respec‐tively 12 .21(10 .45-14 .32) ,8 .52(5 .13-12 .34) and 7 .85(3 .12 -10 .12)pmol/L(P<0 .05 for comparisons) .Conclusion TSH could serve as an identifiable index for sheehan′s syndrome and primary hypothyroidism .The time from a large bleeding to the dis‐ease onset is longer ,the anterior pituitary function is more serious .Thyroid hormone should be monitored regularly in order to pre‐vent the happening of hyperthyroidism during the process of the treatment .For postpartum hemorrhage patients ,thyroid hormone should be early detected and combine with the clinical manifestations .They should early diagnose and timely treat in order to pre‐vent the sheehan′s syndrome and its crisis .

Myxoedemic coma: an uncommon presentation of Sheehan syndrome.

This is a rare case of a 35 year old multiparous female who presented with electrolyte abnormality, hyponatremia in a setting of seizure and moderate pallor. She had a significant past history of childbirth complicated with post-partum haemorrhage after which she developed secondary amenorrhoea and lactation failure. Workup showed suppressed levels of all pituitary hormones and was treated as myxoedemic coma. A diagnosis of Sheehan’s syndrome presenting as myxoedemic coma - a rare but emergency presentation was made.

Sheehan syndrome associated with pancytopenia - A rare entity.

Postpartum pituitary necrosis, or Sheehan's syndrome, is the infarction of the pituitary gland during the peripartum period. Although hyponatremia and normocytic, normochromic anaemia are documented features of this condition, pancytopenia is an extremely rare manifestation of this condition. We report a case where a patient presented with severe hyponatremia along with pancytopenia in the background of Sheehan's syndrome.

A Case of Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Sheehan's Syndrome / 대한내과학회지

Cardiogenic shock after stress-induced cardiomyopathy is very rare and serious, and a reversible, clinical consequence of untreated adrenal insufficiency that is attributable to Sheehan's syndrome. A 53-year-old female presented with confusion, congestive heart failure, and hypotension. Endocrine testing, prior medical history, and brain MRI confirmed the presence of hypopituitarism and secondary adrenal insufficiency owing to undiagnosed Sheehan's syndrome. After glucocorticoid replacement therapy, her cardiac function recovered completely. Stress-induced cardiomyopathy should be considered as a possible cause of unexplained heart failure in patients with Sheehan's syndrome and adrenal insufficiency.

Pituitary crisis in a multiple myeloma patient during treatment / 中国肿瘤临床

Multiple myeloma is common in the older population and is treated mainly with chemotherapy. However, chemotherapy-related side effects imitate the clinical manifestations of Sheehan's syndrome, which leads to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis, particularly for older patients without a clear history of postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, when older women with malignant myelomas show refractory hyponatremia and gastrointestinal disorders while under chemotherapy, a diagnosis of Sheehan's syndrome should be considered. The early detection of the disorder will guarantee timely individualized treatment.

Clinical characteristics of 54 cases with Sheehan's syndrome / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Medical histories and clinical data of 54 patients with Sheehan's syndrome (SS) in endocrine department from August 2008 to August 2011 were collected and analyzed retrospectively.47 cases of SS were accompanied by pituitary crisis.19 cases had been misdiagnosed previously.The average period from the obstetric events to diagnosis of SS was ( 12.36 ± 1.28 ) years.Intravenous drip of hydrocortisone was given for rescuing pituitary crisis.The average dosages of hydrocortisone for the first 24 hours and the second 24 hours were ( 83.93 ± 7.73 ) and (42.19 ± 5.13 ) mg respectively. 12 cases of SS presented transient psychosis after the regular dosage of oral glucocorticoid replacement.

Sheehan's syndrome with central diabetes insipidus / Síndrome de Sheehan e diabetes insípido central

Sheehan's syndrome refers to the occurrence of hypopituitarism after delivery, usually preceded by postpartum hemorrhage. The condition still continues to be a common cause of hypopituitarism in developing countries like India. The disorder usually presents with anterior pituitary failure with preservation of posterior pituitary functions. Posterior pituitary dysfunction in the form of central diabetes insipidus is rare in patients with Sheehan's syndrome. We describe the clinical course of a young lady who after her sixth childbirth developed severe postpartum hemorrhage followed by development of panhypopituitarism which was confirmed by hormonal investigation and demonstration of empty sella on imaging. In addition, she developed Polyuria. The water deprivation test and response to vasopressin test results indicated central diabetes insipidus. She needed oral desmopressin on a continuous basis to control polyuria.

A síndrome de Sheehan está relacionada à ocorrência de hipopituitarismo pós-parto, geralmente precedido por hemorragia pós-parto. Essa condição clínica ainda constitui causa comum do hipopituitarismo observado em países em desenvolvimento como a Índia. Essa síndrome se caracteriza pela insuficiência da glândula hipofisária anterior, porém com a conservação das funções da glândula hipofisária posterior. A disfunção da hipófise posterior, sob a forma de diabetes insipidus central, é algo raramente observado em pacientes que apresentam a síndrome de Sheehan. Neste artigo, descrevemos o caso de uma jovem que, após o sexto parto, apresentou hemorragia pós-parto grave, seguida pela evolução de pan-hipopituitarismo que foi confirmado por pesquisa hormonal e exames de imagem que evidenciaram sela vazia. A jovem também apresentou poliúria. Os resultados do teste de privação de água e exame de resposta à vasopressina indicaram diabetes insípido central. A paciente fazia uso contínuo de desmopressina para controlar a poliúria.

Spontaneous Pregnancy in a Patient with Sheehan's Syndrome.

Spontaneous pregnancy in patients with Sheehan's syndrome is very rare, even after ovulation induction in such patients' pregnancy outcome is poor. We report a case of women with Sheehan's syndrome who became pregnant without ovulation induction with successful outcome of pregnancy

Spontaneous Pregnancy in a Patient with Sheehan's Syndrome.

Spontaneous pregnancy in patients with Sheehan's syndrome is very rare, even after ovulation induction in such patients' pregnancy outcome is poor. We report a case of women with Sheehan's syndrome who became pregnant without ovulation induction with successful outcome of pregnancy.

Hiponatremia grave como manifestación inicial de síndrome de Sheehan de diagnóstico tardío: caso clínico / Hyponatremia secondary to panhypopituirarism: report of one case

Hyponatremia is common among older people and its possible causes are not thoroughly investigated in this age group. We report a 69 years old female with a history of hypothyroidism in treatment that consulted for malaise, anorexia and a severe hyponatremia that required hospital admission. A new interrogation, revealed that the patient suffered an uterine hemorrhage in 1977, remaining with agalactia. She also referred asthenia since 1990. Her serum cortisol was below normal limits and a sella turcica magnetic resonance imaging revealed a pituitary atrophy. The patient was treated with cortisol and discharged in good conditions.

A case of Sheehan's syndrome with central diabetes insipidus showing hemorrhagic pituitary apoplexy / 대한내과학회지

Ischemic necrosis of the pituitary gland, known as Sheehan's syndrome, can develop after massive postpartum bleeding. This condition is rarely accompanied by diabetes insipidus. An empty sella is a constant feature of Sheehan's syndrome in the later phase, but very few observations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in the acute phase are available. We report a case of Sheehan's syndrome presenting with diabetes insipidus leading to severe hypernatremia, showing hemorrhagic postpartum pituitary apoplexy on acute MRI.

Síndrome de Sheehan: descripción de un caso clínico y revisión de la literatura / Sheehan’s syndrome: a case report and literature review

Introducción: la necrosis hipofisaria posparto o síndrome de Sheehan se presenta secundaria a una hemorragia obstétrica, ocasionando un colapso circulatorio intenso el cual, a su vez, predispone a la isquemia de la hipófisis aumentada de tamaño. Objetivo: presentar un caso clínico de una paciente quien consultó por manifestaciones tardías de este síndrome y hacer una revisión de la literatura. Metodología: se buscó información en la bases de datos de PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane y SciELO; así como en referencias de artículos de revista y textos principalmente de los últimos cinco años. Seguidamente, se tomaron los siete artículos más relevantes según la calificación de la revista en donde fueron publicados. Resultados: la característica clínica del síndrome de Sheehan que se manifiesta con mayor frecuencia es la incapacidad para lactar debido a una producción insuficiente de prolactina. Otras manifestaciones tardías incluyen: secreción inadecuada de la hormona antidiurética y deficiencias en la secreción de cortisol, de hormona tiroidea y de gonadotrofinas. Es importante que el obstetra y el médico general sepan reconocer este síndrome, ya que la pérdida aguda del funcionamiento de la adenohipófisis puede ser de mal pronóstico si no se realiza un reemplazo hormonal adecuado. Además, el buen control hormonal evita o disminuye las complicaciones metabólicas y cardiovasculares. Conclusión: el síndrome de Sheehan es una enfermedad poco frecuente, la cual es difícil de diagnosticar tempranamente. Asimismo, requiere una terapia de reemplazo hormonal con controles permanentes clínicos y paraclínicos.

Introduction: postpartum pituitary necrosis, or Sheehan’s syndrome, occurs following obstetric haemorrhage which causes intense circulatory collapse, thereby predisposing pituitary ischemia leading to this organ becoming enlarged (the posterior pituitary is generally affected). This document presents a clinical case of a patient who consulted due to late manifestations of this syndrome. A literature review is also made. Objective: presenting the case of a patient who consulted for late manifestations of Sheehan’s syndrome and reviewing the pertinent literature. Methodology: information was sought in the PubMed / Medline, Cochrane, SciELO databases and references from articles in journals and texts (mainly from the last five years) were also taken into account. The seven most relevant articles were taken according to the impact of the journal in which they were published. Results: the most frequently found clinical characteristic was an inability to lactate due to insufficient prolactin production. The most common clinical feature found was an inability to breastfeed due to insufficient prolactin production. Other manifestations included inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion and cortisol, thyroid hormone and gonadotropin secretion deficiencies. Obstetricians and GPs should be able to recognise this syndrome and know about its management as the acute loss of adenohypophysis functioning may have a poor prognosis without timely and suitable hormone replacement. Good hormone control prevents or decreases metabolic and cardiovascular complications. Conclusion: this is a rare syndrome in which early diagnosis is difficult and requires hormone replacement therapy with ongoing clinical and laboratory controls.

A case of Sheehan's syndrome that presented with a pericardial effusion / 대한내과학회지

Pericardial effusions are found in as many as 30% of cases of primary hypothyroidism, but are extremely rare in cases of secondary hypothyroidism. We report a case of Sheehan's syndrome that presented with a moderate pericardial effusion. A 44-year-old female was admitted to the hospital because of dyspnea and drowsiness. She had a history of postpartum hemorrhage and underwent a hysterectomy at the age of 32. Based on the biochemical analysis, the patient had severe panhypopituitarism. A chest x-ray revealed cardiomegaly and an echocardiogram showed the presence of a pericardial effusion. The pericardial effusion resolved completely with thyroxine and glucocorticoid replacement without pericardiocentesis.

Aspectos diagnósticos e terapêuticos da síndrome de Sheehan: [revisão] / Clinical, laboratorial and therapeutics aspects of Sheehan's syndrome: [review]

A síndrome de Sheehan se caracteriza pelo hipopituitarismo pós-parto secundário à necrose hipofisária decorrente de hipotensão ou choque em virtude de hemorragia maciça durante ou logo após o parto. Sua freqüência vem caindo em todo o mundo, principalmente em países e regiões mais desenvolvidas em razão da melhora nos cuidados obstétricos, contudo, ainda é freqüente em países em desenvolvimento onde os cuidados obstétricos são mais precários. A síndrome de Sheehan pode evoluir de maneira lenta com diagnóstico muitas vezes tardio e, ainda que alguns sinais de insuficiência hipofisária ocorram, logo após o parto, são pouco valorizados. Seu diagnóstico precoce e o tratamento adequado são importantes para redução da morbimortalidade das pacientes. Esta revisão tem por objetivo descrever aspectos clínicos, laboratoriais e terapêuticos da síndrome de Sheehan, incluindo a nossa experiência pessoal na reposição com GH recombinante neste grupo de pacientes.

Sheehan's syndrome is characterized by hypopituitarism that occurs as a result of ischemic pituitary necrosis due to severe postpartum hemorrhage. Nowadays it is not usually seen in developed countries because of the improvements in obstetric care. However, in developing countries it is still frequent and probably one of the most common causes of hypopituitarism. Most patients usually present it months to years later, with a history of failure of postpartum lactation, failure to resume menses and other signs of panhypopituitarism. In mild forms of the disease, patients may remain undetected and do not receive treatment for many years. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important to reduce the morbimortality of the patients with Sheehan's syndrome. The aim of this review is to describe clinical, laboratorial and therapeutic aspects of Sheehan's syndrome, including our experience in the replacement of recombinant GH in these patients.

Acute Sheehan's syndrome with hyponatremia and hypoglycemia / 대한산부인과학회지

We report two cases of acute Sheehan's syndrome with a brief review of literature: A 28-year-old woman who had been performed cesarean section delivery complicated by hemorrhage due to uterine atony. And a 29-year-old woman who had vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) complicated by hemorrhage due to birth canal laceration. On 8th day after delivery, both patient visited emergency room in critical condition with nausea, vomiting and general weakness. Although clinically significant Sheehan's syndrome is an uncommon consequence of obstetric hemorrhage, Sheehan's syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of hyponatremia and suggestive hypoglycemia in early postpartum period women with history of massive obstetric hemorrhage.