Hyperprolactinemia: different clinical expression in childhood
L Saranac1, S Zivanovic, Z Radovanovic
1Pediatric Clinic, University Clinical Center, Nis, Serbia. endoljilja @ yahoo.com
Hormone Research in Paediatrics
|March 4, 2010
Summary
Hyperprolactinemia in children presents with diverse symptoms like growth issues and obesity. Early prolactin level testing is crucial for diagnosis and effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Hyperprolactinemia is a common pituitary secretion disorder.
- Prolactin's diverse actions lead to varied clinical presentations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes and clinical manifestations of hyperprolactinemia in children and adolescents.
- To highlight the importance of prolactin level determination in pediatric endocrine evaluations.
Main Methods:
- Study included 11 children and adolescents (1.5-17.5 years).
- Exclusion criteria: primary hypothyroidism, iatrogenic hyperprolactinemia, polycystic ovaries.
- Pituitary MRI and prolactin profiling were performed.
Main Results:
- Common presentations included short stature, obesity, delayed puberty, amenorrhea, premature thelarche, gynecomastia, and hypogonadism.
- Elevated prolactin levels (mean 2,553 mU/l) were observed in all patients.
- MRI revealed microprolactinomas, a hypophyseal cyst, and a hypothalamic tumor.
Conclusions:
- Hyperprolactinemic children exhibit a wide range of initial clinical signs.
- Growth, puberty disorders, and obesity are the most frequent manifestations.
- Prolactin level assessment is recommended for obese and short-stature children.
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