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Pituitary tumors and pregnancy
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|December 1, 1978
Summary
Small pituitary tumors generally have a slow natural history in both pregnant and nonpregnant individuals. Most women with pituitary tumors can safely conceive and carry pregnancies to term with minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Pituitary tumors are neoplasms affecting the pituitary gland, impacting hormone regulation.
- Understanding the natural history of pituitary tumors is crucial for managing patients, especially during pregnancy.
- Previous data on pituitary tumor behavior during pregnancy is limited, necessitating further review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the natural history of pituitary tumors in nonpregnant and pregnant patients.
- To assess the risks and outcomes associated with pituitary tumors during pregnancy.
- To evaluate the safety of ovulation induction and pregnancy in women with pituitary tumors.
Main Methods:
- A review of previously published reports and questionnaire responses.
- Life-table techniques were employed for data analysis.
- Follow-up data from nonpregnant and pregnant patients with and without prior treatment were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Untreated pituitary tumors in nonpregnant patients showed a median time to treatment of 15.5 years.
- In pregnant patients with untreated tumors, 39% experienced symptoms (headache/visual disturbances); 30% required intervention.
- Treatment during pregnancy increased prematurity but did not affect abortion or perinatal mortality rates.
Conclusions:
- Small pituitary tumors have a slow progression and are generally not contraindications for pregnancy or ovulation induction.
- Most pregnant women with pituitary tumors experience asymptomatic or mild symptoms, with low rates of serious sequelae.
- Careful monitoring is essential, but pituitary tumors do not preclude successful pregnancy outcomes.