Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Sheehan's Syndrome: A Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Hypopituitarism, including Sheehan's syndrome (SS), is linked to metabolic and cardiovascular issues.
• The specific cardiovascular risk profile in SS patients requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate cardiovascular risk surrogate markers in Sheehan's syndrome patients.
• To compare clinical, biochemical, and radiological findings in SS patients versus healthy controls.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 45 SS patients on hormone replacement therapy and age-matched healthy controls.
• Comprehensive assessments included anthropometry, hormonal levels (ACTH, cortisol, IGF-1, T4, FSH, LH, E2, prolactin, insulin), inflammatory markers (IL-6, hs-CRP), and cardiovascular imaging (CIMT, FMD, echocardiography).

Main Results:

• SS patients had significantly higher systolic blood pressure, triglyceride levels, hs-CRP, and IL-6 compared to controls.
• Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was significantly increased in SS patients, indicating greater atherosclerosis.
• Despite hormonal deficiencies, echocardiography showed no significant differences in left ventricular function or structure.

Conclusions:

• Sheehan's syndrome is associated with increased cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension and dyslipidemia.
• Elevated inflammatory and atherosclerotic markers (hs-CRP, IL-6, CIMT) are prevalent in SS patients.
• While SS patients show increased cardiovascular risk, cardiac structure and function appear preserved on echocardiography.