Sheehan syndrome; experience from a tertiary care center from Central India

Introduction: Sheehan Syndrome (SS) though not uncommon is identified as a consequence of ischemic pituitary necrosis due to severe postpartum hemorrhage leading to various manifestations due to varying degree of anterior pituitary hormone deficiency. Aim: The aim of our study was to determine the clinical and biochemical characteristics of Sheehan’s syndrome in our patients. Material and Methods – It was the retrospective cohort study in which we identified the patients who visited our endocrine department and were diagnosed with SS. The various clinical, biochemical and radiological findings of these patients were recorded and analyzed. Results: Mean age of our patients was 36.65 years. 16 patients had history of blood transfusion during peri- partum period but only 11 patients had history of massive bleeding at delivery. 19 patients reported lactation failure and 12 patients reported loss of menstruation following delivery while rest all reported amenorrhea within 2-3 years following delivery. On anterior pituitary hormonal analysis 19 patients had secondary hypothyroidism, 13 had adrenal insufficiency, 21 had low gonadotropin levels, 9 had low prolactin levels. On radiological examination by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) complete or partial empty Sella was recorded in 23 patients. Conclusion: Thus in our cases early menopause and lactational failure were the most common clinical findings and early clue to suspect for SS and do necessary work up for further mana gement.