Clinical, Endocrine, Metabolic Profile, and Bone Health in Sheehan's Syndrome

Sheehan's syndrome (SS) occurs due to ischemic pituitary necrosis resulting from severe postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). SS is characterized by varying degrees of pituitary insufficiency involving mostly the anterior lobe. Comprehensive data on SS apart from endocrine dysfunction is scarcely available.

Thirty-eight subjects previously diagnosed with SS were enrolled in this observational study. Their clinical, biochemical, hormonal, radiological data at presentation were recorded from past records and bone density was measured in all.

Mean (±SD) age was 39 (±8.7) years and diagnostic delay was 9.3 (±5.5) years. All had history of PPH and lactation failure. About 47% were referred from emergency, and rest 53% were diagnosed from outpatient's department. Mean free T4, TSH, prolactin, morning cortisol, FSH, LH, and IGF-1 were mostly low. Panhypopituitarism was present in 97%. Hyponatremia was most common electrolyte imbalance found in about 53%. More than 40% had elevated transaminases. Dyslipidemia especially low HDL was found in 31 (81.5%) subjects. MRI of hypothalamus-pituitary region showed empty sella in 53% and partial empty sella in 47%. About 13% subjects had diabetes mellitus. Low bone mass (BMD Z-Score ≤-1) was seen in 80% and it was more severe (BMD Z-Score ≤-2) in 44% subjects, affecting predominantly lumbar spine. Bone loss at femoral neck was less prominent.

Apart from variable spectrum of clinical presentation, subjects with SS have significant abnormalities in serum electrolytes, metabolic parameters. Low bone mass is also a frequent accompaniment.