Related Experiment Videos
Serum prolactin levels in eighty patients with sarcoidosis
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|February 1, 1978
Summary
Elevated serum prolactin levels in sarcoidosis patients may indicate hypothalamic lesions. Radioimmunoassay measurement of prolactin is a practical screening tool for these hypothalamic lesions in sarcoidosis.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pulmonology
- Neurology
Background:
- Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease.
- Hypothalamic involvement can occur in sarcoidosis.
- Hyperprolactinemia is a potential indicator of hypothalamic dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum prolactin levels in patients with sarcoidosis.
- To determine the correlation between hyperprolactinemia and hypothalamic lesions in sarcoidosis.
- To evaluate the utility of serum prolactin measurement as a screening tool for hypothalamic involvement.
Main Methods:
- Radioimmunoassay was used to measure serum prolactin levels.
- Eighty patients with sarcoidosis (34 males, 46 females) were included before treatment.
- Serum prolactin levels were compared to normal subjects and assessed in relation to disease stage and treatment response.
Main Results:
- Fifteen percent of patients exhibited hyperprolactinemia.
- Hyperprolactinemia was most prevalent in radiological stage II (22%) and stage I (14%) sarcoidosis.
- Corticosteroid treatment normalized prolactin levels in most patients, correlating with improved intrathoracic lesions.
Conclusions:
- Hyperprolactinemia in sarcoidosis may result from hypothalamic granulomas.
- Basal serum prolactin measurement is a sensitive and practical method for screening sarcoidosis patients for hypothalamic lesions.
- This screening can aid in early detection and management of neurosarcoidosis.