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Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology Apr 2021The hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis is one of several hormone regulatory systems from the hypothalamus to the pituitary and ultimately to the peripheral target... (Review)
Review
The hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis is one of several hormone regulatory systems from the hypothalamus to the pituitary and ultimately to the peripheral target organs. The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are in close anatomical proximity at the base of the brain and extended through the pituitary stalk to the sella turcica. The pituitary stalk allows passage of stimulatory and inhibitory hormones and other signal molecules. The target organs are placed in the periphery and function through stimulation/inhibition by the circulating pituitary hormones. The several hypothalamus-pituitary-target organ axis systems interact in very sophisticated and complicated ways and for many of them the interactive and integrated mechanisms are still not quite clear. The diagnosis of central hypothyroidism is complicated by itself but challenged further by concomitant affection of other hypothalamus-pituitary-hormone axes, the dysfunction of which influences the diagnosis of central hypothyroidism. Treatment of both the central hypothyroidism and the other hypothalamus-pituitary axes also influence the function of the others by complex mechanisms involving both central and peripheral mechanisms. Clinicians managing patients with neuroendocrine disorders should become aware of the strong integrative influence from each hypothalamus-pituitary-hormone axis on the physiology and pathophysiology of central hypothyroidism. As an aid in this direction the present review summarizes and highlights the importance of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, pitfalls in diagnosing central hypothyroidism, diagnosing/testing central hypothyroidism in relation to panhypopituitarism, pointing at interactions of the thyroid function with other pituitary hormones, as well as local hypothalamic neurotransmitters and gut-brain hormones. Furthermore, the treatment effect of each axis on the regulation of the others is described. Finally, these complicating aspects require stringent diagnostic testing, particularly in clinical settings with lower or at least altered à priori likelihood of hypopituitarism than in former obvious clinical patient presentations.
Topics: Animals; Hormones; Humans; Hypopituitarism; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Hypothyroidism; Models, Biological; Thyroid Gland
PubMed: 33549603
DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111173 -
Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic... Apr 2022Besides the pulmonary manifestations caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an emerging endocrine phenotype, which can heavily... (Review)
Review
Besides the pulmonary manifestations caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), an emerging endocrine phenotype, which can heavily impact on the severity of the syndrome, has been recently associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients with pituitary diseases or the pituitary gland itself may also be involved in COVID-19 clinical presentation and/or severity, causing pituitary apoplexy.Moreover, hypopituitarism is frequently burdened by several metabolic complications, including arterial hypertension, hyperglycemia, obesity and vertebral fractures, which have all been associated with poor outcomes and increased mortality in patients infected by SARS-CoV-2.This review will discuss hypopituitarism as a condition that might have a bidirectional relationship with COVID-19 due to the frequent presence of metabolic comorbidities, to the direct or indirect pituitary damage or being per se a potential risk factor for COVID-19. Finally, we will address the current recommendations for the clinical management of vaccines in patients with hypopituitarism and adrenal insufficiency.
Topics: COVID-19; Comorbidity; Humans; Hypopituitarism; Risk Factors; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34387832
DOI: 10.1007/s11154-021-09672-y -
Acta Bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis Sep 2019Infertility due to genetic mutations that cause other defects, besides infertility, is defined as syndromic. Here we describe three of these disorders for which we... (Review)
Review
Infertility due to genetic mutations that cause other defects, besides infertility, is defined as syndromic. Here we describe three of these disorders for which we perform genetic tests. 1) Hypopituitarism is an endocrine syndrome characterized by reduced or absent secretion of one or more anterior pituitary hormones with consequent dysfunction of the corresponding peripheral glands. Deficiencies in all the hormones is defined as pan-hypopituitarism, lack of two or more hormones is called partial hypopituitarism, whereas absence of a single hormone is defined as selective hypopituitarism. Pan-hypopituitarism is the rarest condition, whereas the other two are more frequent. Several forms exist: congenital, acquired, organic and functional. 2) The correct functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is fundamental for sexual differentiation and development during fetal life and puberty and for normal gonad function. Alteration of the hypothalamic-pituitary system can determine a condition called hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, characterized by normal/low serum levels of the hormones FSH and LH. 3) Primary ciliary dyskinesia is frequently associated with infertility in males because it impairs sperm motility (asthenozoospermia). Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a group of genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous disorders that show morpho-structural alterations of the cilia. Adult women with primary ciliary dyskinesia can be subfertile and have an increased probability of extra-uterine pregnancies. This is due to delayed transport of the oocyte through the uterine tubes.
Topics: Ciliary Motility Disorders; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genetic Testing; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Humans; Hypogonadism; Hypopituitarism; Infertility; Male
PubMed: 31577259
DOI: 10.23750/abm.v90i10-S.8764 -
Current Neurology and Neuroscience... May 2023This article reviews hypopituitarism after TBI, the importance of pituitary hormones, and related controversies, concluding with a suggested patient approach. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This article reviews hypopituitarism after TBI, the importance of pituitary hormones, and related controversies, concluding with a suggested patient approach.
RECENT FINDINGS
While earlier studies focused on increased pituitary deficiencies after moderate-severe TBI, recent studies have focused on deficiencies after mild TBI. There has been increasing focus on the role of growth hormone after injury; growth hormone is the most frequent reported deficiency at 1 year post-TBI, and an area with unresolved questions. While more research is needed to quantify the risk of deficiencies in special populations, and establish the natural history, increasing data indicate an increase in hypopituitarism after other acquired brain injuries; the potential role of pituitary hormone deficiencies after stroke and after COVID-19 infection is an area of active inquiry. Given the negative health effects of untreated hypopituitarism and the opportunity to intervene via hormone replacement, it is important to recognize the role of pituitary hormone deficiencies after TBI.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Hypopituitarism; Brain Injuries; Human Growth Hormone; Growth Hormone
PubMed: 37148402
DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01263-5 -
Arquivos de Neuro-psiquiatria Jun 2010Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD), also referred to as de Morsier syndrome, is a rare congenital condition, characterized by two of the classic triad features: midline brain...
Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD), also referred to as de Morsier syndrome, is a rare congenital condition, characterized by two of the classic triad features: midline brain abnormalities, optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) and pituitary endocrine dysfunction. We report 5 children with SOD, originally referred to be evaluated due to short stature, who also presented bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia, nystagmus and development delay. In 4 of the patients, we identified neuroimaging abnormalities of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis such as anterior pituitary hypoplasia (3/5), ectopic posterior pituitary (4/5), thin or absent stalk (3/5) and empty sella (1/5). We also encountered diverse pituitary deficiencies: growth hormone (3/5), adrenocorticotropic hormone (3/5), thyroid-stimulating hormone (2/5) and antidiuretic hormone (1/5). Only one child presented intact pituitary function and anatomy. Although rare, SOD is an important cause of congenital hypopituitarism and it should be considered in children with optic nerve hypoplasia or midline brain abnormalities for early diagnosis and treatment.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Hypopituitarism; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Sella Turcica; Septo-Optic Dysplasia
PubMed: 20602044
DOI: 10.1590/s0004-282x2010000300014 -
Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism Nov 2021Hypopituitarism is a disorder characterized by insufficient secretion of one or more pituitary hormones. New etiologies of hypopituitarism have been recently described,... (Review)
Review
Hypopituitarism is a disorder characterized by insufficient secretion of one or more pituitary hormones. New etiologies of hypopituitarism have been recently described, including head trauma, cerebral hemorrhage, and drug-induced hypophysitis. The investigation of patients with these new disorders, in addition to advances in diagnosis and treatment of hypopituitarism, has increased the prevalence of this condition. Pituitary hormone deficiencies can induce significant clinical changes with consequent increased morbidity and mortality rates, while hormone replacement based on current guidelines protects these patients. In this review, we will first discuss the different etiologies of hypopituitarism and then address one by one the clinical aspects, diagnostic evaluation, and therapeutic options for deficiencies of TSH, ACTH, gonadotropin, and GH. Finally, we will detail the hormonal interactions that occur during replacement of pituitary hormones.
Topics: Brazil; Endocrinology; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Humans; Hypopituitarism; Pituitary Hormones
PubMed: 33905631
DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000335 -
Pituitary Apr 2022To describe the clinical characteristics, management and pregnancy outcome of women with prepregnancy hypopituitarism (HYPO) that received care at our center.
PURPOSE
To describe the clinical characteristics, management and pregnancy outcome of women with prepregnancy hypopituitarism (HYPO) that received care at our center.
METHODS
Retrospective study describing 12 pregnancies in women with prepregnancy HYPO (two or more pituitary hormonal deficiencies under replacement treatment) that received care during pregnancy at Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau. Clinical characteristics, management and pregnancy outcome were systematically collected.
RESULTS
Average patients' age was 35 years and HYPO duration at the beginning of pregnancy was 19 years. The most frequent cause of HYPO was surgical treatment of a sellar mass (8 pregnancies). Eight pregnancies were in primigravid women and 10 required assisted reproductive techniques. The hormonal deficits before pregnancy were as follows: GH in 12 women, TSH in 10, gonadotropin in 9, ACTH in 5 and ADH in 2. All deficits were under hormonal substitution except for GH deficit in 4 pregnancies. During pregnancy, 4 new deficits were diagnosed. The dosage of replacement treatment for TSH, ACTH and ADH deficits was increased and GH was stopped. Average gestational age at birth was 40 weeks, gestational weight gain was excessive in 9 women, 8 patients required induction/elective delivery and cesarean section was performed in 6. Average birthweight was 3227 g. No major complications were observed. Five women were breastfeeding at discharge.
CONCLUSIONS
In this group of women with long-standing HYPO, with careful clinical management (including treatment of new-onset hormonal deficits) pregnancy outcome was satisfactory but with a high rate of excessive gestational weight gain and cesarean section.
Topics: Adult; Cesarean Section; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Hypopituitarism; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 34846622
DOI: 10.1007/s11102-021-01196-7 -
Journal of Clinical Research in... Feb 2019Hypopituitarism is defined as a decreased release of hypophyseal hormones, which may be caused by disease of the pituitary gland disease or hypothalamus. The clinical... (Review)
Review
Hypopituitarism is defined as a decreased release of hypophyseal hormones, which may be caused by disease of the pituitary gland disease or hypothalamus. The clinical findings of neonatal hypopituitarism depend on the causes and on presence and extent of hormonal deficiency. Patients may be asymptomatic or may demonstrate non-specific symptoms, but may still be at risk for development of pituitary hormone deficiency over time. Patient history, physical examination, endocrinological, radiological and genetic evaluations are all important for early diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this paper was to present a review of etiological factors, clinical findings, diagnosis and treatment approaches in neonatal hypopituitarism.
Topics: Humans; Hypopituitarism; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases
PubMed: 29739730
DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.galenos.2018.2018.0036 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Hypopituitarism is defined as a complete or partial deficiency in one or more pituitary hormones. Anterior hypopituitarism includes secondary adrenal insufficiency,... (Review)
Review
Hypopituitarism is defined as a complete or partial deficiency in one or more pituitary hormones. Anterior hypopituitarism includes secondary adrenal insufficiency, central hypothyroidism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, growth hormone deficiency and prolactin deficiency. Patients with hypopituitarism suffer from an increased disability and sick days, resulting in lower health status, higher cost of care and an increased mortality. In particular during adulthood, isolated pituitary deficits are not an uncommon finding; their clinical picture is represented by vague symptoms and unclear signs, which can be difficult to properly diagnose. This often becomes a challenge for the physician. Aim of this narrative review is to analyse, for each anterior pituitary deficit, the main related etiologies, the characteristic signs and symptoms, how to properly diagnose them (suggesting an easy and reproducible step-based approach), and eventually the treatment. In adulthood, the vast majority of isolated pituitary deficits are due to pituitary tumours, head trauma, pituitary surgery and brain radiotherapy. Immune-related dysfunctions represent a growing cause of isolated pituitary deficiencies, above all secondary to use of oncological drugs such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. The diagnosis of isolated pituitary deficiencies should be based on baseline hormonal assessments and/or dynamic tests. Establishing a proper diagnosis can be quite challenging: in fact, even if the diagnostic methods are becoming increasingly refined, a considerable proportion of isolated pituitary deficits still remains without a certain cause. While isolated ACTH and TSH deficiencies always require a prompt replacement treatment, gonadal replacement therapy requires a benefit-risk evaluation based on the presence of comorbidities, age and gender of the patient; finally, the need of growth hormone replacement therapies is still a matter of debate. On the other side, prolactin replacement therapy is still not available. In conclusion, our purpose is to offer a broad evaluation from causes to therapies of isolated anterior pituitary deficits in adulthood. This review will also include the evaluation of uncommon symptoms and main etiologies, the elements of suspicion of a genetic cause and protocols for diagnosis, follow-up and treatment.
Topics: Humans; Prolactin; Pituitary Hormones, Anterior; Hypopituitarism; Pituitary Hormones; Pituitary Gland; Hypothalamic Diseases; Hypothyroidism
PubMed: 36967769
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1100007 -
Cancer Control : Journal of the Moffitt... 2002Childhood hypopituitarism may be present at birth or may be acquired. Early diagnosis and treatment promote the best possible outcomes. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Childhood hypopituitarism may be present at birth or may be acquired. Early diagnosis and treatment promote the best possible outcomes.
METHODS
The anatomy, etiologies, clinical presentation, diagnostic testing strategies, and current treatments relevant to childhood hypopituitarism are reviewed.
RESULTS
Children with congenital hypopituitarism may present with life-threatening hypoglycemia, abnormal serum sodium concentrations, shock, microphallus in males, and, only later, growth failure. Causes of congenital hypopituitarism include septo-optic dysplasia, other midline syndromes, and mutations of transcription factors involved in pituitary gland development. Children with acquired hypopituitarism typically present with growth failure and may have other complaints depending on the etiology and the extent of missing pituitary hormones. Acquired hypopituitarism may result from tumors (most commonly craniopharyngioma), radiation, infection, hydrocephalus, vascular anomalies, and trauma.
CONCLUSIONS
An MRI of the head is critical in determining the etiology. Testing for pituitary hormone deficiencies is undertaken along with appropriate hormonal replacement and, in some cases, direct treatment of the cause of the hypopituitarism. All children with hypopituitarism require coordination of medical care by a pediatric endocrinologist and, when older, transition to the care of an internist endocrinologist. Referrals to a reproductive endocrinologist may be required as fertility issues arise.
Topics: Age of Onset; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Hypopituitarism; Infant; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 12060819
DOI: 10.1177/107327480200900304