Title: A Duodecennial Era without Diagnosis: A Case Report On Sheehan Syndrome

Authors: Sanjeev Kumar, Abhinandya Mukhopadhyay, Dr G.N.Dubey, Dr B.K.Singh

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i4.14

Abstract

Varying degree of deficiency of anterior pituitary secreted hormone due to ischemic gland tissue death in postpartum period predominantly caused by massive intrapartum and postpartum haemorrhage is defined as Sheehan’s syndrome. The onset and mode of presentation are variable with abrupt or insidiously developing partial or complete pituitary insufficiency. In developing countries it is still prevalent due to lack of effective maternal care. Here we report a forty five year old lady who has been diagnosed with this syndrome twelve years after having severe haemorrhage associated with delivery. We emphasize on clinical awareness regarding the condition among all levels of health care providers, since Sheehan’s syndrome may present as neurological and endocrinological emergency with life threatening potentials]

Sheehan’s syndrome is a condition that effects women who lose a life-threatening amount of blood in childbirth or who have severe low blood pressure during or after childbirth, which can deprive the body of oxygen. In Sheehan’s syndrome ,the lack of oxygen damages pituitary gland, rendering the gland unable to produce enough pituitary hormones.[1] It is still a burdensome health problem, specially in developing countries like India due to lack of effective obstetric care and consciousness. The clinical presentation is variable; typically appear slowly, after a period of months even years and sometimes right away; like inability to breast feed.[2,3]Diagnosis is based on clinical features and laboratory finding of decreased hormone levels along with suggestive obstetric history and radiologic feature.[4] D Treatment requires lifelong replacement of deficient hormones.

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Corresponding Author

Abhinandya Mukhopadhyay

Junior Resident, Dept of General Medicine, DMCH, Bihar