A case series study of hypopituitarism in older patients with and without gastrointestinal symptoms

Some older individuals who present with gastrointestinal symptoms as their chief complaint were ultimately diagnosed with hypopituitarism instead of gastrointestinal diseases. The aim of this study was to find the characteristics of biochemical indicators in these patients so as to reduce early misdiagnosis.

We conducted a retrospective review of 45 patients with hypopituitarism who were at least 60 years of age. Two groups were included: group of hypopituitarism patients with gastrointestinal symptoms (Group G) included 23 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and group of hypopituitarism patients without gastrointestinal symptoms (Group N) included 22 patients without these symptoms. In Group G, we investigated the prevalence of different gastrointestinal symptoms, the response of these symptoms to treatment, the occurrence of electrolyte disorders, and target gland dysfunction. Then, we compared the electrolyte and target gland function indices between the two groups.

Nausea and vomiting were the most common complaints, accounting for 69.57% of the gastrointestinal symptoms in Group G. Hyponatremia was the most common electrolyte disorder, occurring in 72.86% (n = 18) of patients in Group G. Hypoadrenalism and hypothyroidism were reported by 69.57% and 60.78% of patients, respectively, in Group G. None of the gastrointestinal symptoms were relieved by 4 weeks of treatment with antacid and motility drugs. As mentioned, 18 patients also experienced refractory hyponatremia during early treatment including regular sodium supplements; however, their gastrointestinal symptoms and hyponatremia improved after only a week of treatment for hypopituitarism. Regarding the biochemical indicators, only serum sodium and cortisol in Group G were statistically lower compared with those in Group N (P < .05).

Nausea and vomiting were the most common gastrointestinal symptoms in older patients with hypopituitarism, which were associated with lower serum sodium and cortisol. In addition, we hope to share the research to our gastroenterologists that serum sodium and cortisol should be tested when meeting elder patients with unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms.