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Prolactinoma and body weight: a retrospective study
L B Creemers1, P M Zelissen, J W van 't Verlaat
1Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Acta Endocrinologica
|October 1, 1991
Summary
Patients with macroprolactinoma, a type of prolactinoma, often experience overweight. Treatment with bromocriptine led to significant weight loss in these patients, but not in those with microprolactinoma.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Prolactinoma, a pituitary tumor, is associated with elevated prolactin levels.
- Overweight and obesity are common comorbidities in endocrine disorders.
- The relationship between prolactinoma subtypes and body weight requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between body weight, weight history, and hormone levels in patients with prolactinoma.
- To compare weight changes after treatment in patients with macroprolactinoma versus microprolactinoma.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 47 patients diagnosed with prolactinoma (36 macroprolactinoma, 11 microprolactinoma).
- Analysis of weight history, Body Mass Index (BMI), and hormonal levels before and after treatment.
- Statistical comparison of BMI with the general Dutch male population.
Main Results:
- Patients with prolactinoma, particularly macroprolactinoma, exhibited a higher prevalence of overweight (BMI ≥ 25) compared to the general male population.
- After 6 months of bromocriptine treatment, patients with macroprolactinoma experienced a significant mean weight loss of 5.5%.
- No significant weight changes were observed in patients with microprolactinoma, and weight loss did not correlate with prolactin level changes or thyroid/gonadal function.
Conclusions:
- Prolactinoma, especially macroprolactinoma, is linked to a higher incidence of overweight.
- Treatment of macroprolactinoma with bromocriptine can lead to significant weight reduction.
- Weight changes in prolactinoma patients appear independent of hormonal level normalization or endocrine function.