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[Acromegaly and pregnancy]
D Bétéa1, H Valdes Socin, I Hansen
1Service d'Endocrinologie, CHU de Liège, Belgique, France.
Annales D'Endocrinologie
|November 21, 2002
Summary
Acromegaly, caused by excess growth hormone (GH), often impairs fertility. Pregnancy in acromegaly presents risks like glucose intolerance and tumor growth, requiring careful management.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Acromegaly stems from growth hormone (GH) hypersecretion, typically by somatotroph adenomas.
- Patient fertility is frequently compromised in acromegaly.
- Pregnancy in acromegalic individuals introduces unique medical considerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the interplay between acromegaly and pregnancy.
- To outline diagnostic and monitoring strategies for acromegaly during gestation.
- To discuss available therapeutic interventions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of reciprocal influences between acromegaly and pregnancy.
- Synthesis of data on pregnancy outcomes in acromegalic patients.
- Analysis of tumor behavior and pituitary function during pregnancy.
Main Results:
- Pregnancy can exacerbate glucose intolerance and diabetes due to GH's insulin-antagonist properties.
- Pituitary tumors may grow during pregnancy, risking hemorrhage and optic chiasm compression.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect pituitary function and tumor stability.
Conclusions:
- Careful surveillance and management are crucial for pregnant acromegalic patients.
- Therapeutic options must be considered to mitigate risks to both mother and fetus.
- Understanding the bidirectional effects is key for optimal patient care.
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