Related Experiment Videos
[Macroprolactinemia, a benign form of hyperprolactinemia]
M C Vos1, J A Land, P P Menheere
1Afd. Obstetrie en Gynaecologie, Academisch Ziekenhuis, Postbus 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht. cvo@sgyn.azm.nl
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|June 9, 2001
Summary
Macroprolactinaemia, characterized by large prolactin forms, can cause falsely high prolactin levels in women with infertility. Diagnosing this condition prevents unnecessary medical tests and treatments.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Elevated serum prolactin levels are often investigated in patients with subfertility.
- Immunoassays commonly detect various prolactin isoforms, including biologically inactive ones.
Observation:
- A 34-year-old woman presented with primary subfertility and significantly elevated serum prolactin levels.
- Oestradiol levels were within the normal range, suggesting a potential issue with prolactin measurement.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with macroprolactinaemia, defined as the presence of large circulating prolactin molecules (>100 kDa).
- These macroprolactin forms are often detected by immunoassays but lack biological activity and clinical significance.
Implications:
- Identifying macroprolactinaemia can avert unnecessary diagnostic procedures, such as MRI for hypopituitarism.
- Accurate diagnosis prevents the potential overtreatment of individuals who are otherwise healthy.