Sheehan Syndrome Flashcards
What role does the pituitary gland play during pregnancy?
It produces essential hormones and grows significantly, especially due to an increase in lactotroph cells.
By how much does the pituitary gland grow during pregnancy?
By about 150%, largely due to increased lactotrophs.
What hormone do lactotrophs produce, and what is its role in pregnancy?
They produce prolactin, which stimulates breast growth and milk production.
Why is the pituitary gland vulnerable during pregnancy?
It grows substantially, but its blood supply does not increase proportionally, making it fragile.
What is Sheehan Syndrome?
It is the death of pituitary cells due to insufficient blood supply, often caused by postpartum hemorrhage.
What causes the pituitary gland to become ischemic in Sheehan Syndrome?
Acute blood loss and vasoconstriction reduce blood flow to the enlarged gland.
What is often the first sign of Sheehan Syndrome?
The mother’s inability to breastfeed due to prolactin deficiency.
What are other symptoms if more pituitary cells die?
Amenorrhea, loss of pubic/axillary hair, hypothyroid symptoms (e.g., weight gain, cold intolerance), and cortisol deficiency (e.g., fatigue, low BP).
How is Sheehan Syndrome treated?
By hormone replacement therapy at physiologic levels.
How is Sheehan Syndrome prevented today?
Through rapid blood volume replacement after delivery or trauma to prevent ischemic damage.
