Hypopituitarism in Pregnancy

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

10-2024

Publication Title

Journal of the Endocrine Society

Abstract

Background: Hypopituitarism in pregnancy requires careful management to ensure both maternal and fetal well-being. Disruptions of the pituitary gland in pregnancy can be due to adenomas, pituitary infarction, autoimmune disease, trauma, etc. Complications of hypopituitarism in pregnancy stem from inadequate production of thyroid stimulating hormone, growth hormone, gonadotropins and cortisol. Hormone replacement therapy will be necessary in such cases. For instance, patients in late pregnancy may require an increased dose of hydrocortisone due to the rise of corticosteroid-binding globulin. Patients may need increased doses of glucocorticoid therapy during labor given the major surgical stress. Antenatal care should include close follow up with endocrinologists and obstetricians and regular assessment of maternal hormone levels and fetal growth. Case: We present a case of a 37-year-old female G3P0020 at 24 weeks who presented with complaint of constant headache for 6 days. Associated with photophobia, intermittent blurry vision, nausea, and vomiting. She was admitted and given 1 g Magnesium bolus as well as Robaxin and Tylenol for headache without relief. Given persistence of symptoms and non-focal neurologic exam, MRI brain was completed that showed an enlarged pituitary gland with blood products. MRI pituitary showed an approximately 1.3 x 1.2 x 1.8 cm hemorrhagic lesion on the right side of pituitary gland with fluid level, most in keeping with hemorrhagic pituitary apoplexy. Thyroid function studies were consistent with central hypothyroidism with a low TSH 0.05, low Ft4 0.5, and normal Ft3 2.4. Luteinizing hormone was 0.1 mIU/mL (<1.5 normal in pregnancy), follicle stimulating hormone was <0.5 mIU/mL (<0.1 normal in pregnancy), estradiol >5000 pg/mL (1278-7192 normal in pregnancy), and prolactin 254 ng/mL (80-400 normal in pregnancy). IGF-1 was normal at 148 ng/ml. Morning cortisol was low at 1.8 ug/dL and ACTH was 9 pg/mL (low normal). Cortrosyn stimulation test at 60 minutes was normal at 17.7 ug/dL, however, given clinical improvement on steroids, the clinical picture is consistent with central hypoadrenalism. For treatment, she was started on IV hydrocortisone 50 mg every 8 hours and oral levothyroxine 100 mcg daily. The patient was discharged home on oral hydrocortisone 20 mg daily in the morning and 10 mg daily in the afternoon with close follow up. Conclusion: Ultimately, the management of hypopituitarism in pregnancy requires a personalized approach to hormone replacement and obstetric care and this is done through multidisciplinary care involving endocrinologists and obstetricians to optimize outcomes for both the mother and the baby.

Volume

8

Issue

Suppl 1

First Page

A844

Comments

ENDO 2024 Endocrine Society Annual Meeting, June 1-4, 2024, Boston, MA

DOI

10.1210/jendso/bvae163.1611

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS