[Endocrinological alterations in systemic sclerosis]

In systemic sclerosis, the frequency of thyroid derangements (clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism) is 43 and 73% respectively; in its pathogenesis participate structural, autoimmune and genetic mechanisms. It is important to run thyroid function test and to investigate the manifestation of clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism and to initiate treatment with levothyroxine. The frequency of hyperprolactinemia in SS goes from 13 to 59% and the implied mechanisms are the hypothalamic dysfunction and prolactinomas. The frequency of prolactinomas runs up to 66%. The frequency of osteopenia and osteoporosis is from 3 to 35 and from 35 to 44% respectively. The osteoporosis in escleroderma is multifactorial (ischemia, immobilization, intestinal malabsorption syndrome, steroids, menopause, hyperprolactinemia, among other). It is important to erform bone densitometry in these patients and to identify the cases of osteoporosis and to start opportune treatment.