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PITUITARY FUNCTIONS AFTER RECOVERY FROM COVID-19
M G Kaya1, R Alanli2, M B Kucukay2
1Lokman Hekim University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara Hospital, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ankara, Turkey.
Acta Endocrinologica (Bucharest, Romania : 2005)
|February 15, 2024
Summary
COVID-19 survivors generally maintain normal pituitary function and hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis activity. Post-COVID symptoms are not linked to pituitary gland dysfunction in mild to moderate cases.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- COVID-19 can potentially affect endocrine functions, including the pituitary gland.
- The impact of COVID-19 on the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pituitary gland function in individuals after COVID-19 infection.
- To specifically evaluate the integrity of the HPA axis post-COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 50 COVID-19 survivors and 49 controls were studied.
- Adrenal stimulation tests using 1 µg ACTH (Synacthen) were performed.
- Morning serum cortisol, ACTH, IGF-1, and TSH levels were measured.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in baseline pituitary hormone levels were observed between groups.
- Low serum ACTH was found in 14% of COVID-19 patients; 4% required stimulation testing.
- Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was low in 14% of patients, and TSH was mildly elevated in 10%.
Conclusions:
- Mild to moderate COVID-19 does not appear to impair basal pituitary hormone levels or HPA axis function.
- Observed post-COVID symptoms were not correlated with pituitary gland dysfunction in this cohort.
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