Panhypopituitarism Flashcards
1
Q
define
A
this is an absence of anterior pituitary hormones
2
Q
what does this cause?
A
growth failure
hypothyroidism
hypogonadism
hypoadrenalism
3
Q
what happens if this affects the posterior pituitary
A
DI
4
Q
causes of panhypopituitarism
A
pituitary tumours
other brain tumours
surgery
granulomatous disease
5
Q
presentation
A
menstrual irregularities, loss of axillary and pubic hair (F) infertility, impotence gynaecomastia, loss of facial hair (M) abdominal obesity hypothyroid face growth retardation in children
6
Q
diagnosis
A
check PFTs (remember LH and FSH are high post-menopause) synacthen test and insulin tolerance test
7
Q
management
A
replace hormones (GH-abused in sport)
8
Q
why must cortisol be replaced before levothyroxine is started?
A
levothyroxine activates the sympathetic nervous system and would cause adrenal crisis if cortisol levels are not adequate
9
Q
adverse of testosterone therapy
A
prostate enlargement (does not cause cancer, but can make it grow) screen before starting therapy- monitor PR and PSA
polycythaemia (stroke/MI- monitor FBC)
hepatitis (oral tablets only- LFTs)
